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Akif Hazarvi

SWIFT codes in Kenya

KE · KES

Find the correct SWIFT/BIC code for banks in Kenya. Use these codes when sending or receiving international wire transfers. A SWIFT code ensures your payment is routed to the correct bank and branch.

Banks

25

SWIFT codes

—

Branches

—

Currency

KES

Banks in Kenya

C

Co Operative Bank Of Kenya Swift Code

D

Diamond Trust Bank Swift Code

E

Equity Bank Swift Code

N

National Bank Of Kenya Swift Code

K

Kenya Commercial Bank Swift Code

A

Absa Bank Kenya Plc

A

Access Bank Kenya Plc

A

African Banking Corporation Ltd

B

Bank Of Africa Kenya Ltd

B

Bank Of Baroda Kenya Ltd

B

Bank Of India

C

Caritas Microfinance Bank Limited

C

Central Bank Of Kenya

C

Central Depository And Settlement Corporation

C

Choice Microfinance Bank Limited

A

ABSA BANK KENYA PLC

A

ACCESS BANK (KENYA) PLC

A

AFRICAN BANKING CORPORATION LTD

A

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

A

AIB CAPITAL LIMITED

D

Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited

D

Dib Bank Kenya Ltd

E

Eastern And Southern African Trade And Developmentbank

E

Ecobank Kenya Ltd

E

Equity Bank Kenya Limited

Frequently asked questions

What is a SWIFT code for Kenya?

A SWIFT code (BIC) for Kenya is an 8 or 11-character code identifying a Kenyan bank for international wire transfers. The country code portion is KE. For example, KCBLKENX is a SWIFT code for Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB). The structure is: 4 characters for the bank, 2 for country (KE), 2 for the city, and optionally 3 for the branch.

What are the SWIFT codes for major Kenyan banks?

Key Kenyan bank SWIFT codes include: Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) — KCBLKENX, Equity Bank — EQBLKENA, Cooperative Bank of Kenya — COOPKENAXXX, NCBA Bank — CBAFKENAXXX, Stanbic Kenya — SBICKENX, Absa Kenya — BARCKENX, and Standard Chartered Kenya — SCBLKENX. Always confirm the exact code with the recipient's bank.

Can M-Pesa receive international SWIFT wire transfers directly?

No. M-Pesa is a mobile money network and cannot directly receive international SWIFT wire transfers. For bank-to-bank international wires, the sender must use the recipient bank's SWIFT code and account number. However, many international remittance providers (Western Union, WorldRemit, Remitly) can deliver funds to M-Pesa wallets through their own networks — this is separate from a SWIFT transfer.

How long does a SWIFT transfer to Kenya take?

SWIFT transfers to Kenya typically arrive within one to three business days. Transfers from the UK and US — major corridors for the Kenyan diaspora — usually settle within one to two business days. Same-day delivery is sometimes possible for transfers sent early in the business day to major banks like KCB or Equity Bank. M-Pesa deliveries via remittance provider networks can be near-instant.

Can I receive USD or other foreign currencies in a Kenyan bank account?

Yes. The Central Bank of Kenya permits individuals and businesses to hold Foreign Currency Accounts (FCAs) at licensed Kenyan banks. Inbound USD, EUR, and GBP transfers can be credited directly to an FCA without mandatory conversion to KES. This is particularly useful for recipients who regularly receive foreign payments and want to avoid conversion at potentially unfavorable rates.

Are there CBK regulations affecting large inbound transfers to Kenya?

Yes. The Central Bank of Kenya requires that large foreign currency inflows be reported for balance-of-payments purposes. Transfers used for specific purposes (investment, property purchase, business) may require documentation. For personal remittances under USD 10,000, the process is typically straightforward. Kenyan banks are required to perform KYC (Know Your Customer) checks and may request documentation for unusual or large transactions.

What is the difference between receiving money via SWIFT and via a mobile money provider?

SWIFT transfers go bank-to-bank and require the recipient to have a Kenyan bank account with a SWIFT code. They are best for larger amounts (above USD 500) and business payments. Mobile money providers like M-Pesa accept international remittances through remittance provider networks (not SWIFT directly) and are better for smaller, frequent personal transfers to recipients without formal bank accounts.

Are there fees for receiving a SWIFT transfer in Kenya?

Kenyan banks typically charge an inbound wire processing fee of KES 500–2,000 per transaction, depending on the bank and amount. Currency conversion includes an additional spread. For transfers from the UK and US, providers using mobile money or local bank payout networks often offer better value than standard SWIFT for amounts under USD 1,000.

How SWIFT works in Kenya

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) regulates banking and foreign exchange. Kenya has a dual financial ecosystem: M-Pesa dominates domestic mobile money transfers, while SWIFT underpins international wire transfers through the formal banking sector. Major Kenyan banks including KCB, Equity Bank, Co-operative Bank, and NCBA are all connected to SWIFT. Inbound international wires are credited in either KES or foreign currency depending on account type.

Kenya's four largest banks for international transfers are Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Equity Bank, Cooperative Bank of Kenya, and NCBA (formed from the merger of NIC Bank and Commercial Bank of Africa). Stanbic Kenya (a subsidiary of Standard Bank Group) and Absa Kenya are commonly used for USD and EUR corporate payments due to their South African parent networks.
CBK regulations permit Kenyans to hold foreign currency accounts (FCAs) at licensed banks. Inbound USD, EUR, or GBP transfers can be credited directly to an FCA without mandatory conversion to KES. This is advantageous for recipients who receive regular foreign payments and want to avoid conversion at unfavorable rates.
M-Pesa cannot directly receive international SWIFT wire transfers, but providers like Western Union and WorldRemit can deliver funds to M-Pesa wallets using their own networks. For bank-to-bank international transfers, the sender must use the recipient bank's SWIFT code. Settlement is typically within one to two business days.