The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) will extend the operating hours for the Kenya Electronic Payment and Settlement System (KEPSS) from July 1, 2025, in a move intended to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the country’s payments infrastructure.

The national Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system will now run from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on business days, up from the current 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The CBK explained that the decision follows consultations with stakeholders and supports the country’s payments strategy.

“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 with the exception of public holidays and weekends,” the CBK said.

This change is aimed at improving how payments are processed in Kenya.

Read More

  1. KEPSA and private sector leaders want banks to fund MSMEs, not state debt
  2. Kenya set to resume IMF talks as CBK signals new push for foreign funding
  3. CBK marginally cuts benchmark lending rate in its latest review as inflation drops

The central bank pointed out that the extension would provide more flexibility for financial and government institutions.

“Enhanced convenience: businesses, government institutions, and financial institutions will have greater flexibility to process payments, improving cash flow management and reducing end-of-day settlement risks,” the CBK said.

The CBK also noted that the adjustment would support the vision of a modern economy that operates beyond conventional banking hours.

“Support for a 24/7 economy: longer operational hours will bridge the gap between traditional banking hours and the demands of a modern economy, facilitating seamless transactions across time zones and increasing the competitiveness of Kenya as a regional financial hub,” the CBK said.

In addition, the extended schedule is expected to promote financial inclusion.

The CBK remarked, “Improved access to financial services: 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.”

On a regional and international scale, the CBK highlighted that the change aligns with reforms being implemented by other central banks. “

Alignment with global best practices: this extension mirrors the progressive steps taken by central banks globally to modernise their payment systems, enhancing regional integration and interoperability of cross-border payments,” the CBK said.

The CBK concluded by reaffirming its broader goal of ensuring the payment systems continue to evolve in line with the economy’s needs.

“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 CBK said.

This extension marks another step in modernising Kenya’s financial sector as the country positions itself as a leader in regional payment solutions.

Observers say that with the new operating hours, Kenya is likely to see stronger linkages between local and international markets, as well as greater participation in formal financial services.

As the new schedule comes into force, businesses and financial institutions are expected to take advantage of the increased flexibility to better serve customers, manage liquidity, and compete more effectively in a fast-changing digital landscape.