Top payment methods in Kenya: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Kenya? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Kenya, with a population of around 53.35 million people, has a GDP of approximately 131.67 billion making it the 62nd largest economy in the world. The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES)
The economy is driven by a strong services sector, agriculture (tea, coffee, horticulture), and tourism. It is a member of the East African Community (EAC) and serves as a financial and transport hub for the region.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Population | 53.35 million |
| GDP (USD) | 131.67 billion |
| Global Ranking | 62nd |
| Currency | Kenyan Shilling (KES) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Kenya?
Kenya is a world leader in mobile money, with M-PESA being the default payment method for the majority of the population. It is used for everything from peer-to-peer transfers to paying for goods and services through the "Lipa na M-PESA" merchant service. Physical cash, the Shilling, is still widely used, especially for public transport and in fresh-produce markets. Debit and credit cards are used in the formal sector, such as at supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants.
How to pay in Kenya
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Kenya.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Mobile Money (M-Pesa) | M-Pesa, run by Safaricom, is the completely dominant payment method in Kenya. It is used for the vast majority of all transactions, from P2P transfers and bill payments to formal and informal retail payments. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Kenyan Shilling) | Despite the dominance of M-Pesa, cash remains a very important and widely used payment method for daily expenses across the country. | In-person |
| Cards (Visa, Mastercard) | Debit and credit cards are used for payments, particularly in formal retail settings like supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants in urban centers. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers, often via banking apps that are integrated with the PesaLink system, are used for larger value transactions. | Online |
Traveling beyond Kenya? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Kenya?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Kenya.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.