The international component of M-PESA makes Safaricom the first telecom company to offer a mobile based international money transfer service. The pilot according to Itnewsafrica.com engaged three agents - Western Union, Provident Capital Transfers and KenTv.

A total of 19 outlets were carefully selected to cover areas with relatively high number of Kenyans, including Reading, London, Luton, Wembley and Glasgow, the report said.

They comprise a variety of shops including forex agents, news agents and grocery shops that are commonly visited by Kenyans and whom are registered with HM Revenue & Customs in the UK as money services businesses.

According to the service, the sender in UK will be required to identify himself/herself and furnish the agent with the recipient’s name, Kenyan mobile number and the amount being sent in Sterling Pounds.

Rate

Exchange rate conversion to Kenya Shillings is done at the prevailing rate and the agent will proceed to send the Kenya Shillings direct to the recipient’s M-PESA account.
There is no registration fee to either party for using M-PESA’s international service. The sender will pay a competitive transaction fee ranging from £4 – £6.90, depending on the amount sent and the outlet at which they are transacting, the report added.

For example, you can send up to £150 for as little as £4. This transaction fee is shared between Safaricom and the agent.

A major benefit to users of remitting money to Kenya direct to a customers M-PESA account is in the convenience to the recipient of collecting their money. Registered M-PESA customers are able to withdraw cash affordably at their convenience at over 12,000 M-PESA Agents countrywide.

They are also able to use M-PESA to pay bills, purchase airtime and to perform local money transfers.