NAIROBI, Kenya — Safaricom has introduced a significant new feature, enabling users to withdraw funds from their PayPal accounts directly through the M-Pesa app. This integration marks a major advancement in convenience and financial accessibility for Kenyan users.
The initiative is specifically designed to support Kenya’s rapidly expanding community of freelancers, remote workers, and digital entrepreneurs, many of whom rely heavily on PayPal for receiving international payments.
Previously, users faced a cumbersome process involving web portals, third-party brokers, or multiple logins to complete withdrawals.
With this latest update, the process is dramatically streamlined: PayPal funds can now be transferred directly to an M-Pesa wallet with just a few taps on a smartphone.
Safaricom reports that its M-Pesa app has seen 13.7 million downloads, with 4.7 million users actively utilizing the platform.
Current wallet limits stand at Ksh 500,000 (approximately $3,875 USD), with per-transaction caps of Ksh 250,000 ($1,938 USD), and a daily maximum of Ksh 500,000.
By embedding PayPal directly into its platform, Safaricom is offering a smoother and faster alternative to conventional withdrawal methods, such as Equity Bank’s PayPal service, which relies on interbank transfers.
Also Read: Safaricom surpasses 50 million customers in Kenya
This strategic move further solidifies M-Pesa’s position as a crucial tool for the digital economy, empowering both small businesses and individual users.
How to withdraw from PayPal using the M-Pesa app (Android only):
The process is designed for simplicity:
- Install or update the latest M-Pesa super app on your Android device.
- Navigate to the “Global Payments” section and tap the PayPal logo. Log in and link your PayPal account.
- Choose whether to withdraw or deposit funds, then enter the desired amount in USD.
- The app will display the equivalent amount in Kenyan shillings, along with the applicable exchange rate and estimated processing time.
- Confirm the transfer.
Funds are typically credited to the M-Pesa wallet within 2 hours, though larger transactions may take up to 3 days.
This mobile-first solution eliminates the need for bank intermediaries or external third-party platforms, offering a faster, safer, and more user-friendly experience tailored to modern users seeking complete financial control directly from their phones.