How to send money to Nigeria from Kenya with the best KES-NGN rate

The exchange rate determines the price you’ll pay for Naira when sending Kenyan Shilling to Nigeria.

The rate between the Kenyan Shilling and Naira is currently 10.5841.

The total cost of money transfers from Kenya to Nigeria is a combination of fees and exchange rates. Get the best of both, and you will be getting a good deal.

• The Mid-Market and Exchange Rates: The mid-market rate for KES-NGN is currently 10.5841 NGN per Kenyan Shilling. Providers offering services closer to this rate will ensure more Naira for your Kenyan Shillings.

• Fees: Transfer fees are charged alongside a transfer. The company offering the lowest fee is Pesa, charging 0 KES per transfer. In all cases, we recommend searching for your exact send amount as fees may change.

• Amount Received: Money transfer companies will show you the amount eventually received in Naira. Simply, the higher the amount received in Kenya, the lower the cost of sending from Nigeria.

Sometimes, waiting a day or two can help you get more NGN for the same amount of Kenyan Shilling. Using a forward contract that also allows you to lock in an agreed exchange rate between Kenya and Nigeria.

Sending money via a bank transfer is the recommended option for sending money from Kenya to Nigeria.

Here are all the ways to send money from Kenya to Nigeria:

Bank transfers

Paying via a bank transfer is often the better option for sending money from Kenya to Nigeria.

By using a money transfer company such as Pesa for transfers from Kenya to Nigeria, you can send money and while benefit from lower fees and more favorable exchange rates than you would get with a traditional bank. 


Debit and prepaid cards

Sending money from Kenya to Nigeria with a debit or a prepaid card is easy with Western Union Agent.


Western Union Agent is a one of the better options in the market for international debit card transfers from Kenya to Nigeria.

Credit cards

Not many money transfer companies offer direct credit card deposits, because it is more expensive for everyone (especially with high cash advance fees).

We recommend using a bank transfer or a debit card transfer if you can; otherwise, make a quick comparison to find the latest deal.

Some services between Kenya and Nigeria have minimum or maximum thresholds on how much you can transfer. This is applies when receiving money in Nigeria as well.

Companies will offer different rates and fees for different transfer amounts. For regular transfers to Nigeria, use Western Union Agent. The combination of rates and fees when sending from Kenya to Nigeria is the most competitive, even at larger amounts.

Also, always check with the recipient and understand any declarations needed on large amounts of money leaving Kenya, or entering Nigeria. Mis-understanding these could result in a slower, or even failed, transfer.

There are different ways to receive Naira in Nigeria. This includes a direct bank deposit, cash pickup, a mobile wallet or receiving money into a multi-currency account.

Not all providers serving transfers from Kenya to Nigeria will offer every method for incoming Naira, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

One of the more common ways to transfer from Kenya into Naira is directly into a bank account. Western Union Agent is the best company for bank transfers between Kenya and Nigeria.

And if you need cash right away, check if cash pickup is an option for transfers between Kenya and Nigeria.

Mobile wallet services and payment apps like PayPal, Xoom, and CashApp are popular too, but they come with more limitations and higher costs compared to money transfer providers like Pesa.

When signing up to and sending Kenyan Shilling to Nigeria, through a money transfer company, you will have to verify your ID.

The precise documents you need will vary and in some cases you will need more than one.

For the most part however, in Kenya this will be a government issued ID such as a passport or driver's license. In Nigeria it will be similar, although this should only be needed if you are opening a new account in Nigeria, or collecting in cash. Sending to an existing bank account in Nigeria shouldn’t require any additional ID checks.

Large transactions between Kenya and Nigeria, are subject to additional checks. A provider may ask you for proof of address or may want to carry out a proof of funds check.

One of the reasons Western Union Agent has scored so highly for transfers to Nigeria is their easy sign up process in Kenya.

When sending large amounts of money between Kenya and Nigeria there will potentially be a tax declaration to consider.

Some transfers into Naira may need to be reported to tax authorities in Nigeria, particularly where inheritance or property purchases are involved.

Tax limits and personal allowances will change in Nigeria based on age, income and a few other elements. When in doubt, please contact a tax professional in Kenya or Nigeria to discuss your personal circumstances.