The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) will extend operating hours for the Kenya Electronic Payment and Settlement System (KEPSS), effective July 1, 2025.
KEPSS is the country’s real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system, facilitating continuous real-time clearing and settlement of transactions.
In a statement issued on June 18, CBK revealed,
“Following extensive consultation with participants of the system and in alignment with the objectives outlined in the National Payments Strategy 2022–2025, the KEPSS operating hours will be revised from the current 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to the new schedule of 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. on all business days, except public holidays and weekends.”
CBK emphasised that this enhancement is designed to “improve the efficiency, accessibility, and resilience of Kenya’s payments ecosystem.”
The extension of operating hours will enable earlier initiation and later completion of large-value and time-sensitive payments, supporting Kenya’s transition towards a 24/7 digital economy.
“By enabling earlier initiation and later completion of large-value and time-sensitive payments, this move will support the country’s transition towards a 24/7 digital economy,” CBK stated.
Benefits to the Financial Sector
The CBK highlighted that the revised hours will enhance convenience for businesses, government agencies, and financial institutions, allowing for greater flexibility in processing payments.
This is expected to improve cash flow management and reduce end-of-day settlement risks.
“By expanding the time window for settlements, CBK reinforces its commitment to greater financial inclusion, allowing more individuals and entities to engage in the formal financial system with ease,” the Bank added.
The extension also aligns Kenya with global best practices, as central banks worldwide modernise payment systems to enhance regional integration and improve the interoperability of cross-border payments.
Supporting Kenya’s Position as a Regional Financial Hub
CBK noted that the longer operational hours will bridge the gap between traditional banking hours and the demands of a modern, digital economy.
This move will facilitate seamless transactions across time zones and bolster Kenya’s competitiveness as a regional financial hub.
Between August 2023 and August 2024, KEPSS processed over 5.3 million transactions valued at more than KES 45 trillion, underscoring its critical role in the national payments infrastructure.
“CBK remains committed to ensuring that the national payments infrastructure continues to meet the evolving needs of the economy and to fostering a secure, efficient, and inclusive financial system,” the statement concluded.