Kenya has taken a bold step toward a fully digital and inclusive financial economy, ushering in a new era of accessibility.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) this week announced the extension of operating hours for the Kenya Electronic Payment and Settlement System (KEPSS), the country’s Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) platform.
According to the CBK, beginning July 1, 2025, the system will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on all business days, an expansion from the current window of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“This strategic enhancement is aimed at improving the efficiency, accessibility, and resilience of Kenya’s payments ecosystem. The move, developed in consultation with system participants and guided by the National Payments Strategy 2022–2025, marks a significant stride toward a digitally-driven, always-on economy,” said the CBK in a statement.
By extending the settlement window, businesses, financial institutions, and government entities will gain greater flexibility in managing cash flows and executing large-value transactions.
"Earlier initiation and later completion of time-sensitive payments will reduce end-of-day settlement risks and improve overall liquidity management," the CBK added.
The development is also expected to enhance Kenya’s competitiveness as a regional financial hub. With longer hours, KEPSS is expected to now better accommodate cross-border transactions and facilitate smoother interactions across different time zones.
The Bank went on to say: “This aligns us more closely with global best practices and it positions Kenya as a forward-looking player in the international payments landscape.”
The CBK stressed that expanding access to the national settlement infrastructure would widen the on-ramp for individuals and small businesses into the formal financial system.
While instant payment platforms like Pesalink already operate 24/7, the KEPSS extension underscores the growing demand for real-time financial services across all tiers of the economy.
“This is more than just extra hours, it’s a reflection of Kenya’s ambition to power a digital economy that leaves no one behind,” the CBK emphasised.
As the country moves toward a more connected and responsive financial environment, the CBK underlined that the extension of KEPSS hours is the first of many steps redefining the future of payments in East Africa.
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