Kenyan PayPal users are facing a major transition in how they send and receive money. Starting August 16, 2025, the PayPal Mobile Money Service with M-PESA powered by Thunes will be permanently shut down. This follows Safaricom’s recent update allowing users to link PayPal directly within the M-PESA app, eliminating the need for external web logins.
Why the Web Link Is Being Shut Down
The update was announced through a pop-up message on the PayPal Mobile Money web portal. The message urged users to switch to the new M-PESA in-app PayPal integration ahead of the impending shutdown.
The decision to close the Thunes-powered service comes from Singapore-based Thunes, the payment gateway that has handled PayPal-M-PESA transactions for years. While no detailed reason was given, industry experts suggest that this is part of a larger global trend—streamlining mobile money by removing intermediaries and connecting fintech giants directly to local ecosystems.
What This Means for Users
From August 16, 2025, users will no longer be able to:
- Log in to PayPal Mobile Money Service via web
- Transfer funds using the standalone Thunes platform
- Access old transaction history through the portal
Instead, all transactions will need to be carried out via the M-PESA mobile app, now featuring built-in PayPal capabilities.
How to Transition to the New System
To continue enjoying PayPal-M-PESA transfers seamlessly, follow these steps:
🔄 How to Link PayPal to M-PESA in the App
- Update your M-PESA app to the latest version
- Open the app and navigate to “Finance” or “Global Services”
- Tap on “PayPal”
- Securely log in to your PayPal account when prompted
- Link your PayPal and M-PESA accounts (if not already linked)
Once linked, you can easily withdraw from PayPal to M-PESA or top up your PayPal balance directly from the app—no need for a separate browser session.
Mixed Reactions from Users and Merchants
While the move is expected to offer a more streamlined experience, some Kenyan users have raised concerns about:
- Losing access to web-based PayPal Mobile Money tools
- Potential challenges for merchants and freelancers who rely on the desktop version
- Uncertainty around data access and past transaction records
Despite this, many welcome the new system as a step toward a faster, mobile-first future for digital payments in Kenya.
Why It May Be a Good Thing
Although abrupt, this change could bring several benefits:
- Simplified user interface with everything in one app
- Fewer intermediaries, reducing failure rates and delays
- Better security and verification under direct PayPal–Safaricom management
- Faster response to user queries and bugs
The shutdown of the Thunes web portal may feel like the end of an era, but it marks the beginning of a more integrated fintech ecosystem for Kenya’s booming digital economy.
Final Reminder
If you still use the PayPal Mobile Money web link, make sure to switch to the M-PESA app before August 16 to avoid any disruption to your international transactions.
