As the cost of living continues to bite, every shilling counts. Safaricom’s 2026 M-PESA tariff guide remains a critical document for millions of Kenyans navigating the digital economy. Here is what you need to know to avoid transaction shock.

M-PESA, the lifeline of Kenya’s economy, serves over 30 million users. Understanding the tiered charging system is essential for personal budgeting and small business planning.

Key Transaction Tiers (2026 Estimates)

While transfers below KES 100 remain free to encourage micro-transactions, the fees scale up significantly for larger amounts.

• Sending Money (Registered Users): Sending between KES 501 and KES 1,000 costs approximately KES 13. Sending KES 1,501 to KES 2,500 attracts a charge of roughly KES 34.
• The Heavy Hitters: For transactions above KES 50,000, the fees jump. Sending KES 50,001 to KES 150,000 caps at KES 108.
• Withdrawal Pain: Withdrawing cash remains the most expensive action. Pulling out KES 2,501 - KES 3,500 at an agent costs KES 69. A KES 50,000 withdrawal will set you back KES 309.

Smart Money Tips

To save money, Kenyans are increasingly using "Buy Goods" (Till Number) which is free for the customer, rather than "Paybill" or direct withdrawals. Additionally, linking M-PESA to bank apps often offers cheaper transfer rates for bulk sums.

The Verdict

M-PESA remains convenient, but it is not cheap. In 2026, savvy users are those who minimize withdrawals and maximize digital ecosystem payments.