Big Relief for Businesses and Students as Upesi Cuts International Transfer Costs to Zero

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 28, 2026 – Upesi, a Kenyan outbound money transfer service, is targeting more than KES1 billion in transactions over the next four months through a zero-fee campaign covering eight international payment corridors. The initiative, which began on September 1 and will run until the end of 2026, is expected to boost cross-border trade, education payments and family support transfers.

The campaign covers transfers from Kenya to China, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria. Upesi projects average monthly transactions of approximately KES276 million, with China expected to account for nearly KES150 million each month due to growing trade links between Kenya and the Asian market.

“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,” said John Gitau, Head of Treasury at Upesi Money Transfer.

The campaign is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), importers, students, investors and families making payments abroad. By eliminating transfer charges, Upesi seeks to provide faster, more affordable and convenient international money transfer services, particularly during the festive season when demand for education, family support and business payments typically rises.

The move comes as digital financial service providers continue to expand their presence in Kenya’s outbound payments market, increasing competition with commercial banks and mobile money operators on cost, speed and convenience. Data from the Central Bank of Kenya’s Remittances Household Survey 2025 shows that lower transfer costs remain a key priority for customers sending money abroad.

Upesi, founded in 2015, has grown into a homegrown remittance solution serving thousands of customers across Africa and beyond. The company is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya.