Safaricom has introduced a new feature in its M‑PESA super app, letting users withdraw PayPal funds without leaving the mobile wallet. It’s a move aimed squarely at freelancers, remote workers and small businesses who earn abroad.
This marks the first time PayPal cashouts are available inside the app not through a web page. Users no longer need to log in online and wait for transfers to clear.
“Transfers now just take a few hours, not days,” said a Kenyan Freelancer on X(Twitter) using the service.
A smoother path for global earnings
Until now, withdrawing PayPal funds meant logging in via a browser, facing delays of one to three days. Or users could use Equity Bank’s service, which supports large withdrawals but requires a full bank account.
With the M‑PESA mini‑app, the process is seamless:
- Open M‑PESA and tap PayPal under Global or Finance.
- Log into your PayPal account inside the app.
- Link the accounts (if you haven’t already).
- Enter the amount; fees and exchange rates are shown up front.
- Confirm and wait. Most transfers arrive within two hours.
The feature is backed by Thunes (formerly TransferTo), ensuring secure and compliant cross-border transfers.
Why it matters
Kenya’s digital freelance economy is booming. Many earn in dollars or euros through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Previously, delays and cumbersome steps hindered cash flow.
This upgrade should help users manage money more quickly and ease local financial planning.
It also builds on M‑PESA’s growing financial footprint. In the year to March 2025, mobile money revenues surged 15% to KES 161 billion ($1.25 bn). Charges per user rose 20%, and active users hit nearly 36 million.
Limits and competition
M‑PESA wallets now hold up to KES 500,000
Equity Bank still offers larger PayPal withdrawals up to $10,000 without daily caps, making it the choice for high‑volume clients.
Other platforms like Wise and Payoneer also compete, offering attractive exchange rates and fewer restrictions. Still, PayPal remains the most common gateway for Kenyan freelancers.
Feedback
Most users are excited noting that transfers now just take a few hours, not days.
They added that matching names on PayPal and M‑PESA was key during setup.
What’s next
Safaricom plans to enhance the experience further, possibly adding real‑time exchange rate previews, versions for business users and extending the feature to regional markets like Tanzania or DRC.
This update makes it easier for millions of Kenyans earning abroad to access their money in minutes. As M‑PESA evolves from mobile wallet to financial hub, features like this could redefine how global earnings flow into local economies.
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