USD to KES Exchange Rate Today
US Dollar to Kenyan Shilling conversion for Kenyan-American community. Track live USD/KES rates every 30 minutes for remittances, family support, or investments. Leverage M-PESA.
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Sending 1,000.00 USD → KES
Mid-Market Rate
After Fees
Exchange rate: Real-time mid-market rate from OpenExchangeRates API. Transfer fees: Based on typical provider fees.Note: Providers may offer different exchange rates than the mid-market rate shown. Always check the provider's website for their actual exchange rate and final pricing before sending.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the US Dollar to Kenyan Shilling exchange rate?
The USD to KES rate typically ranges between 125-160 KES per 1 USD. The Central Bank of Kenya allows the shilling to float, though it intervenes to prevent excessive volatility. Kenya receives over $4 billion annually in remittances, with the US being a major source from the 150,000+ Kenyan-American community. The rate has gradually increased as the shilling weakens—common for African currencies facing structural economic challenges. Our converter shows real-time mid-market rates updated every 30 minutes.
How can Kenyans in America send money to Kenya?
Kenyan-Americans have excellent remittance options: Remitly (very popular for Kenya, M-PESA, bank accounts), WorldRemit (M-PESA instant delivery, widely used), Sendwave (low fees, M-PESA), Western Union or MoneyGram (extensive agent network); direct M-PESA transfers (revolutionary mobile money—60%+ of Kenyans use it); or bank transfers to Equity, KCB, Cooperative, or M-Pesa-linked accounts. For Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or rural areas, M-PESA has transformed remittances—instant, cheap, and ubiquitous.
Why is M-PESA so important for Kenya transfers?
M-PESA revolutionized Kenyan finance: 60%+ of adults use it, even in remote villages without bank branches. For US-Kenya remittances, M-PESA means instant delivery (seconds, not days), low fees ($1-3 vs $15-40 for banks), wide acceptance everywhere in Kenya, and no need for recipients to have bank accounts. Services like Remitly and WorldRemit deliver straight to M-PESA wallets. It's the primary reason Kenya leads Africa in mobile money—critical for diaspora remittances.
Why does the Kenyan shilling weaken against the dollar?
KES depreciation reflects: Kenya's persistent trade deficit (imports exceed exports), moderate-to-high inflation (5-9%), occasional political uncertainty, external debt servicing needs, drought cycles affecting agriculture, and tourism volatility. The shilling has gradually weakened over decades—typical for sub-Saharan African currencies. For Kenyan diaspora, climbing USD/KES rates mean more shillings per dollar sent, benefiting remittance recipients but reflecting economic challenges back home.
When is the best time to send dollars to Kenya?
Minneapolis Kenyans sending $500 monthly via M-PESA maximize value when dollar exceeds KES145, gaining KES72,500 versus KES65,000 at KES130. Kenyan Americans (150,000+ community) remit $4B annually to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu families. Shilling depreciation trends favor conversions; a KES7,500 gain on $500 monthly transfers (KES130 vs KES145) proves valuable for Minnesota or Texas Kenyan diaspora covering family expenses, school fees, or land acquisitions. M-PESA instant delivery revolutionizes remittances with 60%+ Kenya penetration, enabling real-time transfer optimization during shilling weakness.