8 best apps to send money to Kenya from UK

If you need to send money from the UK to Kenya, you have a few different options. You could use a bank, but it could be far quicker and easier to use a money transfer app instead. It could even be cheaper too, depending on the provider’s fees and exchange rates.

In this essential guide, we’ll run through 8 of the best apps for sending money to Kenya from the UK. This includes the likes of Western Union, Remitly, Sendwave, MoneyGram, TransferGo, WorldRemit, Instarem - and of course, Wise.

We’ll compare apps all on the things that matter, including fees, exchange rates, transfer times, security and delivery methods. So, let’s get started.

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8 best apps to send money to Kenya from UK

Here is a quick comparison table of the 8 best apps for sending money to Kenya from the UK:

**Transaction speeds depend on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.

Wise

Wise is a money services provider, which works a little differently to other providers. By keeping local bank accounts in countries around the world, Wise cuts out expensive international fees that come with sending money across borders using SWIFT (the network that banks and other providers use).

Download the Wise app, create an account and you’ll be able to send money in 40+ currencies to 140+ countries, including Kenya.

• Cost: Wise has low, transparent fees* and uses the mid-market exchange rate, which means that no margin or mark-up is added on top.
• Speed: A transfer sent from the UK to Kenya by bank deposit should arrive in seconds**
• Security: Wise uses sophisticated security measures to keep your money safe.
• Delivery methods for Kenya: Bank deposit

**Transaction speeds depend on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.

Western Union Money Transfer

Western Union is an established international money transfer specialist based in the US, although it operates in 200+ countries and territories.⁹

You can use Western Union to send money via the mobile app (or online), sending to bank accounts and mobile wallets worldwide - including Kenya. But you can also make and receive transfers in person, at one of thousands of Western Union agent locations.

• Cost: Many transfers are fee-free, although WU may add a margin to the exchange rate. All fees and rates are transparent
• Speed: A transfer sent from the UK to Kenya by bank deposit should arrive instantly (when sending money to an Equity Bank account holder)²
• Security: Western Union is FCA regulated, uses advanced security measures and is safe to use in the UK
• Delivery methods for Kenya: Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet²

MoneyGram® Money Transfers App

MoneyGram is one of the world’s largest money transfer providers, aside from Western Union. It offers a wide range of different options for sending, funding and collecting transfers, and has an extensive global network. Payments are fast, secure and easy to set up in the app, or online.

You can send to 200+ countries and territories worldwide, including Kenya.¹⁰

• Cost: Low, transparent fees, with introductory offers for new customers. It may add a small margin to standard exchange rates
• Speed: Transfers can take between a few minutes and a few days¹¹
• Security: MoneyGram is FCA regulated and uses advanced security measures to protect your money
• Delivery methods for Kenya: Bank deposit, mobile wallet³

Remitly: Send Money & Transfer

The US-based online money transfer service Remitly offers fast, convenient online payments worldwide. Using the app, you can send to 170+ countries around the world in 100+ currencies,¹² including sending Kenyan shillings (KES) to Kenya - choosing from a range of payment and receiving methods.

As it doesn’t have any physical locations, Remitly works by delivering money through partners, such as banks and other money transfer services.

• Cost: Low, transparent fees, with introductory offers for new customers. It may add a small margin to standard exchange rates
• Speed: Two delivery speeds available, Economy and Express
• Security: Remitly is FCA regulated, uses advanced security measures and is safe to use in the UK
• Delivery methods for Kenya: Cash pickup, bank deposit,debit card deposit, mobile wallet.⁴

Sendwave - Send Money

Sendwave is a money transfer app which specialises in sending money to countries in Africa and Asia, making it ideal for a UK-to-Kenya transfer. The company is owned by Zepz, which also owns WorldRemit.

It’s easy to sign up and start using the app - all you need to do is link your debit card and verify your identity.

• Cost: Many transfers are fee-free, although it’s possible that Sendwave will add a margin to the exchange rate. All fees and rates are transparent
• Speed: Transfers can take between a few minutes and 3-5 days¹³
• Security: Sendwave is FCA regulated and uses a number of security measures to protect your money.
• Delivery methods for Kenya: Bank deposit, cash pickup.¹³

TransferGo: Money Transfer

TransferGo is a digital money transfer app which specialises in making it easier, cheaper and faster for migrants to send money home. Founded in 2012, it now serves over 8 million customers in 160+ countries - including the UK and Kenya.¹⁴

• Cost: Low, transparent fees, with introductory offers for new customers. It may add a small margin to exchange rates
• Speed: A transfer sent from the UK to Kenya by bank deposit should be delivered within minutes⁶
• Security: TransferGo is FCA regulated and uses a number of security measures to protect your money.
• Delivery methods for Kenya: Bank deposit, debit/credit card.¹⁵

WorldRemit: Money Transfer App

Money transfer provider WorldRemit offers fast, secure online transfers all over the world, to 130+ countries and in 70+ currencies - this includes Kenya and KES.¹⁶

The app offers a choice of flexible payment options - you can send to mobile money accounts, mobile airtime top-ups or arrange cash pickup.

• Cost: Many transfers are low cost or fee-free, although WorldRemit may add a margin to the exchange rate. All fees and rates are transparent
• Speed: A transfer sent from the UK to Kenya by debit card deposit should arrive within 1 hour⁷
• Security: WorldRemit is FCA regulated, uses advanced security measures and is safe to use in the UK
• Delivery methods for Kenya: Debit card deposit, mobile money, Airtime top up.⁷

Instarem: Send Money Overseas

Instarem is a digital money transfer app which lets you send money to many countries worldwide, including Kenya. It’s easy to sign up and transfers can be carried out in just a few taps, and you’ll even earn InstaPoints for every transfer.

• Cost: Low, transparent fees, with introductory offers for new customers. It may add a small margin to standard exchange rates
• Speed: A transfer sent from the UK to Kenya by bank deposit should arrive within a day
• Security: Instarem is FCA regulated and uses a number of security measures to protect your money.
• Delivery methods for Kenya: Bank deposit

And that’s it - our handy roundup of the best apps to send money to Kenya from the UK.

We’ve covered all of the main contenders, comparing them on fees, exchange rates, security, transfer times, delivery methods and more. This should make it easier for you to choose the right option for your needs.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 09-Aug-2025