I'd say it depends on your bank, level of activity and parameters shared when opening the account. If something bleeps (meaning it's a way out of the ordinary transaction) they will have to ask for some information.

Naturally, the banks are more vigilant when money is leaving the Bank itself, as they have nothing to hold onto.

@ Muganda is right. If you usually remmit $5K and suddenly you send $ 10K then you will have to provide details unless you are dealing with Family Bank who don't seem to care.

I never knew that banks check this stuff. But I have never received more than 2k.
When withdrawing from equity was hectic, I felt discriminated by the manger not sure if it was because I was young.
That is why I moved banks :( what a waste it is a nice bank!

It was in a savings account I had to sign, have my ID and be verified by the branch manager.
So I go to the branch and she tells me she can't allow me to withdraw without my phone.
I had to go to another branch so as to withdraw you can imagine the struggle and this lady maybe looked at me and thought no way this kid can withdraw, just wow and I was not withdrawing 2k.
I mean't i have never received more than 2k from outside kenya

Same case happened to me last year. Had to produce my phone, and an ATM receipt to confirm identity, alongside the ID, to the branch manager. This was before member introduced the biometrics.

CBK requires all deposits above one meta to have source declared.
Many banks don't follow the rules

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued new mandatory guidelines covering additional information that banks are expected to collect from their clients when making deposits and withdrawals greater than or equal to USD 10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. In line with this, Citibank shall be requesting the following information for all cash deposits and withdrawals exceeding the advised threshold:

1. Why is the large cash deposit or withdrawal necessary?
2. Why can’t the cash deposit or withdrawal be made through electronic means?
3. Where will the money be taken after it leaves the bank premises?
4. What is the money going to be used for?
5. Who will be the direct and indirect beneficiaries of the money?
6. Please provide the full identity of the intended beneficiaries of the money.
7. Please advise the source of the money which is to be deposited or withdrawn over the counter.

The information above will be captured through the attached form for eligible transactions. The guideline takes effect immediately.

The new changes seek to encourage the use of electronic payment methods which help make the payment system secure and eliminate the informality and anonymity inherent in cash transactions. Electronic payments are beneficial to you as they reduce losses due to fraud and theft. In addition, electronic payments provide an audit trail that makes funds traceable in case those risks materialize.

We are pleased to advise that we can assist our clients migrate to electronic means of executing these transactions through the following payment methods, all of which are available at Citi:

1. Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT)
2. Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)
3. Mobile Payments and Collections through M-Pesa
4. Cheques (both managers’ and client cheques)
5. Cross border funds transfers (CBFT)

that letter only applies to deposit or withdrawal. not money sent/received by the other means mentioned. now why would you want to carry more than usd 10k in cash to come and deposit it in kenya?

TSA will even give you a body cavity search

I am thinking of hard working Kenyans who want to invest back home. They find themselves faced with two choices:

1. Having to justify where you got your money and what you want to do with it.
2. Sending it in smaller amounts thus delaying your projects.