Kenyans to Enjoy Free Global Transfers as Upesi Targets KES1 Billion by Year-End

​By Greenspan Dulo

September 28, 2026,  Nairobi, Kenya

Kenyans sending money abroad are set to benefit from a zero-fee international money transfer campaign launched by Upesi, as the Kenyan outbound money transfer service targets more than KES1 billion in transactions by the end of the year.

The campaign, which began on September 1 and will run until December 31, covers eight international payment corridors: China, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria.

Upesi projects average monthly transactions of approximately KES276 million during the campaign period, with China expected to account for nearly KES150 million every month, driven by growing trade links between Kenya and the Asian market.

According to Upesi Head of Treasury John Gitau, the initiative is aimed at making international money transfers more accessible and affordable for individuals and businesses.

“Cross-border payments are becoming increasingly important for businesses and individuals as trade and other economic links between Kenya and international markets grow. We want to make these transfers more accessible and affordable by removing fees on selected corridors,” Gitau said.

The campaign targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), importers, students, investors and families making payments abroad.

Upesi says the removal of transfer fees will help customers reduce the cost of sending money internationally while providing a faster and more convenient option for cross-border transactions.

The company expects international payment activity to increase towards the end of the year as families send financial support, students make education-related payments and businesses settle transactions with overseas partners.

The move comes amid growing competition in Kenya’s outbound payments sector, with digital financial service providers expanding their services and competing with commercial banks and mobile money operators on cost, speed and convenience.

Data from the Central Bank of Kenya’s Remittances Household Survey 2025 indicates that lower transfer costs remain an important consideration for customers sending money across borders.

Founded in 2015, Upesi has grown into a Kenyan remittance solution serving customers across Africa and other international markets. The company is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya.

The zero-fee campaign will run until the end of 2026 and is expected to support individuals and businesses transferring funds through the eight participating international corridors.

The Pressman Kenya


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