The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced an extension of operating hours for the Kenya Electronic Payment and Settlement System (KEPSS), the national Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, effective July 1, 2025.
The revised schedule will see KEPSS services run from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on all business days, up from the current window of 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. The system will remain closed on weekends and public holidays.
The decision follows wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders and aligns with the National Payments Strategy 2022–2025, which seeks to modernize Kenya’s payment infrastructure and enhance financial inclusion.
CBK said the extended hours will allow earlier initiation and later completion of large-value and time-sensitive payments, improving operational flexibility for businesses, financial institutions, and government entities.
What Has Changed
Increased Convenience: Entities will have more time to settle transactions, reducing end-of-day pressures and improving cash flow management.
Support for a 24/7 Digital Economy: The longer hours will bridge gaps between traditional banking times and the needs of a digitally-driven market, enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness as a financial hub.
Expanded Financial Access: A wider settlement window promotes inclusivity, allowing more users to engage with the formal financial system.
Global Alignment: The move mirrors similar advancements by other central banks worldwide, improving regional financial integration and readiness for cross-border transactions.
CBK reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem, noting that the change is part of broader efforts to future-proof the national payments infrastructure.
