Opening an account

It is advisable to open a local account to pay for local services. All major banks in Kenya allow accounts in US Dollars, in addition to Kenyan Shillings. Banks charge between US$12-18 in monthly fees. There is also a fee to close down the account. There are many banks to choose from, including:

• United Nations Federal Credit Union (UN Compound)

• Kenya Commercial Bank (UN Compound)

• Standard Chartered Bank (UN Compound)

• Barclays Bank of Kenya

• National Bank of Kenya

• CFC Bank

• NIC Bank

• Commercial Bank of Africa

• Cooperative Bank

• Equity Bank

To open an account, banks will generally require:

• Two passport photographs

• Identification document, e.g. passport

• Proof of residence, work permit or Diplomatic Identity Card

A new account takes about 7 days to be operational.

Banks may require additional documentation from citizens of certain countries.

Insurance Coverage

Protect yourself and your loved ones with third-party and comprehensive insurance products. UN staff members can purchase personal insurance products in Kenya or abroad.

UNKLESA recommends two starting points for assessing your risks, insurance options and expectations when it comes to health, car, property, disability, mobile property and special risks:

1. Global insurance products offered through UNFCU Financial Services at www.unfcu.org/global-insurance-coverage (Clements Worldwide)

2. Kenya insurance products offered through M.A Khan Insurance Brokers Ltd at www.makhaninsurance.com

Mpesa

M-Pesa (M is for mobile, pesa is Kiswahili for money) allows users to deposit, withdraw and transfer money, as well as pay for goods and services, with a mobile device. Users are charged a small fee for sending and withdrawing money through the service. It’s very useful. You can pay for a taxi, buy food at the supermarket, pay for dinner at a restaurant, pay your electricity and water bills, recharge your phone credit, send money to others, etc. Register for it with your ID and some money to deposit at any Safaricom shop or Airtel Shop (in any mall) and you’re set.

Using credit cards

Using credit cards to pay for goods and services in major facilities is fairly common. However, certain services, like doctor offices, may not accept them. American Express is not always accepted.

Bank Transactions

Most banks have a reasonable network of branches and ATMs across the city. ATMs will generally accept international cards, particularly VISA cards. Cheques take 3-4 business days to clear. However, if you are paying out, your account is debited immediately and this normally shows by the next day.

UNFCU (United Nations Federal Credit Union)
Eligibility and benefits for UNKLESA members

United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU) membership is open to the UN community globally inclusive of family members of a UNFCU member and individuals who reside in and share financial responsibility of a household with a UNFCU member. Upon joining UNFCU, members become owners of the financial cooperative with voting rights and access to tailored financial solutions.

Since the opening of its representative office at the United Nations Office at Nairobi in 2003, UNFCU has offered financial guidance to thousands of members to help in achieving their goals. “UNFCU is dedicated to providing its global UN community with the peace of mind to do good,” said Maggy Kigochi, Africa Regional Manager. “We understand the challenges faced by highly mobile UN families and look forward to connecting with more members of UNKLESA.”

UNFCU not only provides safe and prudent financial solutions, it is also at the forefront of innovation. UNFCU recently became the first US credit union to offer transfer payments to Kenya M-Pesa accounts using Digital Banking.  The credit union also expanded its award-winning Kenya mortgages to select areas of Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos. Kenya mortgages are offered in UN dollars at competitive rates to purchase a home or to refinance an existing mortgage.  Additionally, a mortgage loan officer is available at the UNFCU Nairobi Representative Office, steps away from UNKLESA on the Gigiri campus, to provide guidance on navigating the home buying process.

UNFCU Nairobi Hours

The UNFCU Nairobi representative office is open Monday-Wednesday from 08:30 to 16:00; Thursday from 08:30-17:00; and Friday from 08:30-15:00.  Members can also contact UNFCU remotely after local business hours, using several secure communications channels.