Every December, Kenyans across the world open their wallets and their hearts for loved ones back home. It’s the season where you want to send a little extra, to help with Christmas food shopping, support family travel, contribute to celebrations, or simply remind someone you’re thinking of them. And for the receivers, that money does more than cover costs. It brings relief, joy, and a feeling that family, no matter how far, is still close.
However, the rush to send money in time for Christmas and New Year can be stressful if transfers are slow, expensive, or unpredictable. This article will guide you through the best, fastest, and most reliable ways to send money to Kenya this festive season.
Also read: Cheapest and fastest way to send money from the UK to Kenya
Sending money to Kenya during Christmas can be more challenging than at any other time of the year. You’re trying to support loved ones, but the festive rush, high fees, and delays often get in your way.
Slower processing times:The festive season means that transfer platforms, banks, and agents handle far more transactions than usual. As a result, your money may take longer to reach Kenya, even if the service normally processes fast. This delay can disrupt plans for holiday groceries, school-fee preparation, or family travel. It’s frustrating when your support arrives late despite sending it early.
Increased compliance checks: Because global transactions spike during Christmas, many services tighten compliance checks to prevent fraud. This means your transfer might be flagged, reviewed, or delayed, especially if you’re sending a larger holiday amount. You may be asked for extra documents or to repeat identity verification. These interruptions can slow things down when you need the money to reach Kenya quickly.
Limited bank operating hours: During Christmas and New Year, many banks operate reduced hours or close completely on holidays. This impacts clearing times, customer support, and settlement processing. You may initiate a transfer, only to find banks aren’t posting transactions until after the holiday period. This can cause significant delays when your family in Kenya needs funds urgently for festive commitments.
Also read: Cheapest way to send US dollars from Kenya to the USA
When sending money to Kenya during the festive season, you need fast, affordable, and reliable options.
Mobile Money: Mobile money is the fastest and most convenient way for your loved ones to access funds in Kenya. Transfers are usually instant, letting recipients withdraw cash, pay bills, or shop immediately. During the Christmas season, when families need money for groceries, gifts, and travel, mobile wallets save time and eliminate the hassle of visiting a bank.
Remitly: Remitly gives you options for express or economy transfers, making it flexible for different budgets. You can send money directly to M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or Kenyan bank accounts. With fast processing and user-friendly platforms, it’s ideal during Christmas when your family needs funds quickly for shopping, travel, and holiday preparations.
Grey: Grey allows you to send money to Kenya quickly, affordably, and securely. You can fund a transfer or use the virtual USD card to pay directly for gifts, bills, or holiday essentials. Grey’s low fees, real-time tracking, and smooth processing make it perfect for global senders wanting control and convenience during the festive season.
Bank transfers: Traditional bank transfers remain a safe way to send larger amounts, but they can be delayed around the 25th and 26th due to holiday closures. Planning is essential to ensure funds arrive on time. Despite slower processing, bank transfers offer reliability and security for significant festive contributions or family support.
Sending money to Kenya during Christmas and New Year doesn’t have to be stressful. Grey ensures your loved ones receive funds quickly and safely, letting you share the joy of the festive season from anywhere in the world. Sign up or download the app to enjoy fast transfers to Kenya.
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