- Kenyans relying on international payment platforms face new restrictions on receiving money from abroad
- Freelancers, remote workers and families could face delays or difficulties accessing overseas payments
- Kenya’s heightened scrutiny over anti money laundering rules is putting greater focus on customer verification and digital transfers
Several international payment platforms have restricted or suspended services for Kenyan customers in recent weeks, raising concern among freelancers, businesses and families who depend on digital channels to receive money from abroad.
Sendwave and Wise have limited certain cash transfer services for Kenyan users, while Hurupay has stopped its US dollar banking services for customers in the country. PayPal has also frozen or restricted a number of Kenyan accounts where users have been unable to provide requested employment and residence information.
The changes come as Kenya faces heightened scrutiny over anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls. The country remains on the Financial Action Task Force’s list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly known as the grey list, prompting closer attention to financial transactions and customer verification.
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However, the companies have not all publicly linked their decisions to Kenya’s regulatory scrutiny. Sendwave, for example, cited technical difficulties, while Wise did not disclose the specific reason behind its restrictions.
Impact on freelancers and families
The restrictions could affect Kenyan freelancers, remote workers, businesses and families who rely on international payment platforms to receive funds from overseas. Because these services are widely used for remittances and online earnings, any disruption could complicate access to money sent from abroad.
The developments highlight the growing importance of financial compliance, customer verification and anti-money laundering controls within Kenya’s digital payments sector.
By Khayoyo Ian
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