Kenya Bank Sort Code & PESALINK Lookup
Find CBK sort codes, SWIFT codes, PESALINK eligibility, and M-Pesa Paybill numbers for 30 Kenyan banks. Instant, no signup.
- Recipient full name (must match account name)
- Bank name:
- SWIFT code:
- Account number
- Branch name (for the specific branch holding the account)
- CBK Sort Code:
- Transfer amount and currency (KES or USD)
Sending money to Kenya?
Compare which provider gives your family the most Kenyan Shillings. Wise and WorldRemit offer competitive KES rates with M-Pesa delivery.
M-Pesa Paybill Directory — Send to Bank via M-Pesa
Use these Paybill numbers to send money directly from M-Pesa to a bank account. Go to M-Pesa > Lipa Na M-Pesa > Pay Bill > enter Paybill number > enter account number.
How Kenya's Banking Payment Systems Work
Kenya has one of Africa's most sophisticated payment ecosystems. Three distinct systems handle money movement within and into Kenya, each suited to different amounts, speeds, and use cases. Understanding which one to use saves time and money.
What Is a Kenya Bank Sort Code?
A Kenya bank sort code is a 2-3 digit numeric identifier assigned to each bank licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). It uniquely identifies the bank for domestic interbank transactions through Kenya's KEPSS (Kenya Electronic Payment and Settlement System) and PESALINK networks.
Unlike the UK sort codes (6 digits) or US routing numbers (9 digits), Kenya sort codes are much shorter — typically 2 to 3 digits. The CBK assigns them sequentially to licensed institutions. They appear on bank statements, internet banking portals, and are required when setting up inter-bank transfers or standing orders.
What Is RTGS in Kenya?
RTGS stands for Real-Time Gross Settlement. Kenya's RTGS system, called KEPSS (Kenya Electronic Payment and Settlement System), is operated by the Central Bank of Kenya and handles large-value, time-critical interbank transfers. It is the backbone of Kenya's financial system for high-value payments.
- Minimum amount: No official minimum, but practically used for amounts above KES 1 million
- Settlement: Same business day if initiated before the CBK cut-off time (usually 3:30 PM EAT)
- Users: Businesses, financial institutions, government entities
- What you need: Recipient bank name, sort code, account number, and branch
What Is PESALINK?
PESALINK is Kenya's real-time interbank mobile payment platform, launched by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) in 2017. It allows customers of different Kenyan banks to send money instantly between accounts through their bank's mobile app, without needing M-Pesa or cash.
- Transaction limit: Up to KES 999,999 per transaction (approximately USD 7,700)
- Daily limit: Up to KES 999,999 per day
- Cost: Typically KES 20-50 per transaction depending on the bank
- Speed: Near-instant — usually credited within seconds
- Coverage: All major Kenyan banks participate
What Is M-Pesa?
M-Pesa is the mobile money service launched by Safaricom in Kenya in 2007 and is one of the world's most successful fintech innovations. It allows users to send money, pay bills, receive salaries, access loans, and receive international remittances using only a mobile phone.
M-Pesa is used by over 35 million people in Kenya and underpins much of Kenya's daily commerce. For remittances from the diaspora, M-Pesa delivery is typically faster, cheaper, and more convenient than bank wire transfers for amounts below KES 300,000 per day.
How to Receive an International Wire Transfer to a Kenyan Bank Account
International wires to Kenya use the SWIFT network, not the CBK sort code system. To receive an international wire, give your sender the following details:
- Your bank name (in English, e.g. Equity Bank Kenya)
- SWIFT/BIC code (e.g. EQBLKENAXXX for Equity Bank)
- Branch name where your account is held
- CBK Sort Code (sometimes requested as secondary identifier)
- Your account number
- Your full name exactly as it appears on the account
M-Pesa vs Bank Transfer for Kenya Remittances
| Factor | M-Pesa Delivery | Bank Wire Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Usually instant (minutes) | 1-3 business days |
| Maximum per transaction | KES 300,000/day | No practical limit |
| Recipient needs | M-Pesa-enabled SIM card | Active bank account |
| Sender cost | Usually lower for small amounts | Higher for small amounts |
| Best for | Amounts under KES 300,000; everyday family support | Large amounts; business payments |
| Providers | WorldRemit, Western Union, Remitly, Chipper | Wise, OFX, bank wire |
| Availability | 24/7 | Business days only (for settlement) |
How International Remittances Reach Kenya
(Abroad)
Network
Bank
Bank
Account
(Abroad)
Provider
M-Pesa
M-Pesa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using sort code instead of SWIFT for international transfers
The CBK sort code (e.g. 68 for Equity Bank) is not recognised by overseas banks. For international wires, always provide the full SWIFT code (e.g. EQBLKENAXXX). Using the sort code alone will cause the transfer to be rejected.
Sending to M-Pesa when the amount exceeds the daily limit
M-Pesa has a per-transaction limit of KES 150,000 and a daily receiving limit of KES 300,000. For larger amounts, use a bank wire instead. Some providers like WorldRemit allow multiple M-Pesa transactions on the same day to work around this, but it is better to use bank wire for amounts above KES 300,000.
Name mismatch on bank accounts
International wire transfers to Kenya are subject to name matching checks. The recipient name provided by the sender must match the account name at the Kenyan bank. Mismatches cause delays or returns. For business payments, use the exact registered business name.
