What is the KES wallet?
The KES wallet is a Kenyan shilling wallet for our customers in the UK and EU. It sits alongside your GBP or EUR wallet in the NALA app, and lets you hold, add, send and convert Kenyan shillings (KES).
It's built for flexibility. You can save for upcoming expenses in Kenya, or hold KES until the exchange rate suits you.
Getting started
Who can get a KES wallet?
The KES wallet is available to eligible customers in the UK and EU with an active GBP or EUR wallet. 👉 See Local currency wallets (KES, TZS, UGX) for the full eligibility details.
We're rolling it out to more customers in batches. If you're eligible but don't see it yet, it will appear in your app once it's available on your account.
How do I open my KES wallet?
Open the NALA app. If the KES wallet is available on your account, you'll see an option to open it.
Follow the steps in the app. You may be asked to complete a one-time ID check.
You'll get a push notification and email once your wallet is ready.
What ID can I use?
Passport (any country)
Driving licence issued in the UK, EU or US
Residence permit issued in the UK, EU or US
If you've already given us one of these when you joined NALA, you won't need to do it again.
Where can I find my KES wallet?
From the home screen, swipe left to find your KES wallet.
Adding money
How do I add money to my KES wallet?
You can add money in three ways:
Bank transfer: send money from a Kenyan bank account to your KES wallet account details, shown in the app.
M-Pesa Paybill: pay using the Paybill number shown in the app.
Convert: move money from your GBP or EUR wallet into KES (see below).
Can someone else add money to my KES wallet?
Yes. Friends and family can add money to your KES wallet using your account details or the Paybill number.
How long does a top-up take?
Most top-ups arrive quickly. You'll get a push notification and email as soon as the money reaches your wallet.
Money left the bank or M-Pesa but didn't reach my KES wallet. What should I do?
Contact NALA Support in the app and share the SMS confirmation or transaction reference. We'll check and either add the money to your wallet or get it sent back.
Converting
How do I convert between GBP/EUR and KES?
To convert GBP or EUR to KES:
Make sure your GBP or EUR wallet is topped up.
On the home screen, tap the wallet you want to convert from.
Tap the three dots (⋯) next to Add money and select Convert.
Enter the amount and confirm.
To convert KES back to GBP or EUR:
From the home screen, swipe left to find your KES wallet.
Tap Convert.
Enter the amount and confirm.
Sending
Can I send money to Kenya from my KES wallet?
Yes. Once you have a balance in your KES wallet, you can send money instantly to:
Your own Kenyan bank account
Other Kenyan bank accounts
Any M-Pesa number
You don't need to convert each time, because you're sending from your KES balance.
Withdrawing
How do I withdraw money back to my UK or EU bank account?
You can't withdraw KES directly to a UK or EU bank account. Instead:
Convert your KES to GBP or EUR.
Check your bank is a verified GBP or EUR bank account linked to your NALA profile.
Withdraw: select Withdraw from your GBP or EUR wallet, choose your bank account and confirm.
Withdrawals to a bank are available to customers in the UK and EU.
Statements
How do I get a KES wallet statement?
Tap your KES wallet.
Tap the three dots (⋯) next to Add money.
Select Statement.
Fees, limits and safety
Are there any fees?
Any fee for converting or sending is shown in the app before you confirm.
What are my limits?
Limits depend on your verification level. To see yours, go to Profile → Account Limits.
Is my money safe?
Yes. Your KES wallet is a secure place to keep your money. You can hold KES for as long as you need and move it only when you're ready.
Need help?
Contact NALA Support in the app 🩵.