How to Receive Money From Western Union in Kenya

Western Union is one of the most reliable ways to send and receive money globally. The platform facilitates money transfers to over 200 destinations, with agent locations virtually worldwide.

In Kenya, you can use Western Union to send and receive internationally. It’s one of the most convenient ways to receive funds from friends, family members, or employers abroad. If you’re wondering how to receive money from Western Union in Kenya, this guide is for you. 

In this post, we’ll cover the steps you need to take to receive money in cash, via a bank account or even a mobile wallet, straight to your M-Pesa. 

How to Open a Western Union Account in Kenya

Opening a Western Union account is a simple process you can complete in a few minutes. Here are the steps to take when registering for a Western Union profile: 

1. Visit Western Union’s official website or download the mobile app from the Google Play Store or App Store. 
2. Select “Register” to get started. 
3. Enter the information required to continue. You will need the following to sign up for a Western Union account: 

• Valid identification document (National ID card or Passport)
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a valid email address
• Accept the terms and conditions of using the platform

1. You’ll receive a confirmation email that your registration was successful. You can start using the platform to transact internationally. 
2. You can go a step further and link a debit or credit card to your profile for payments. You can add or remove cards as needed by visiting your profile and following the simple prompts to make the necessary changes. 

How to Receive Money from Western Union in Kenya

There are several ways to receive money via Western Union in Kenya. Money can be sent to you via bank transfer, mobile wallet, or cash pick-up. Here’s how you can receive money from Western Union via bank transfer and cash pick-up. 

Receiving Money via Bank Transfer

Several banks in Kenya partner with Western Union to facilitate money transfers. Top banks like Equity, KCB Bank, and Diamond Trust Bank, among others, allow their customers to access Western Union services. 

Here are the steps to follow when receiving money from Western Union via bank transfer: 

1. Request for the MTCN (tracking number): When the sender initiates the transfer, they’re given a tracking number (MTCN) that you can both use to track the progress of the money. 
2. Log into your bank account: If you use online banking, you can log into your bank account and enter details like the transfer amount, the sender’s name, and the tracking number. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest bank branch to access your account. You’ll need to carry the MTCN and a form of identification like your national ID or passport for verification. 
3. Receive the money: For bank transfers, the money usually arrives within five business days or less, depending on the specific bank. You can track the transfer using the MTCN. If you’re worried the transfer is taking too long, you can call your bank or visit the branch to inquire. 

Cash Pick Up

If you opt for cash pick-up, you’ll take the following steps to receive the money: 

1. Track the money using the MTCN. This way, you know when it’s ready to be collected. 
2. Log into the Western Union website and use their online agent locator to find the nearest agent to you. 
3. Fill out a form. At the agent location, you’ll be required to fill out the To Receive Money Form. Here, you’ll provide details like the sender’s name, where the money was sent from, the test question and answer(optional), and the MTCN.
4. Provide identification documents to the Agent Clerk for verification. 
5. Receive the money. Once the Clerk has verified your ID, you’ll be given a receipt to sign, and you’re good to collect the money. 

How to Send Money via Western Union in Kenya

Sending money internationally using Western Union is also a straightforward process, and there are several ways you can go about it. You can make the transfer from your phone, visit your local bank branch, or visit a Western Union agent.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Log into your Western Union account or register for one if you don’t have it. Alternatively, you can visit your local bank branch and fill out a remittance form for your intended transfer. 
2. Confirm the details. You have to confirm details like the recipient’s name, the destination country, and the amount you need to send. The details may also vary depending on the method you use to send the money. If you’re sending the money to the recipient’s bank account, you’ll need the following details:
   Recipient’s name as it appears on their account
   The recipient’s bank name and its physical address
   Recipient’s bank account number
   Any other information, depending on the destination
3. Set up the transfer. Once you’ve confirmed and entered the details, you can initiate the transfer. 
4. Choose how to pay for the transfer. Your payment options will depend on whether you’re at an agent or doing the process online. You can pay for the transfer in cash if you’re at the bank or use a debit or credit card for online transfers. The transfer fees will vary depending on the payment method. 
5. Get the MTCN. Once the transfer has been processed, you’ll be given a receipt and MTCN. You can send the recipient the MTCN for tracking purposes. 

Ensure you save your receipts for record-keeping in case an issue comes up. 

How to Withdraw Money from Western Union in Kenya

Withdrawing money from Western Union in Kenya depends on the specific transfer method. If the sender uses a bank transfer, the money will reflect in your account automatically, and you can access it immediately.

If the sender sent the money via cash, you can pick it up at a Western Union agent. You’ll be required to provide a valid form of identification and details like the MTCN and answer the test question (where applicable). 

If the money was sent via mobile wallet, the money will reflect in your M-Pesa account.