Kenyans abroad sent home a record USD5.08 billion (Ksh656.9 billion) in the 12 months to July 2025, representing an 11.1 per cent increase compared to USD4.57 billion (Ksh590.6 billion) over the same period in 2024, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
The CBK noted that diaspora remittances remain one of the country’s most reliable sources of foreign exchange, helping to cushion the balance of payments.
In July 2025 alone, remittances stood at USD410.1 million (Ksh53.001 billion), a slight dip from the USD414.3 million (Ksh53.544 billion) received in July 2024, reflecting a 1 per cent drop monthly.
However, the cumulative 12-month inflows indicated strong growth, showing that Kenyans abroad are sending more money home over time.
''The 12-month cumulative inflows to July 2025 increased by 11.1 per cent to USD 5,080 million (Ksh656.539 billion) compared to USD4,572 million (Ksh590.885 billion) in a similar period in 2024,'' the weekly CBK bulletin read in part.
Adding that, "Remittance inflows remain a key source of foreign exchange earnings and continue to support the balance of payments."
The steady growth has supported the country’s foreign exchange reserves, which stood at USD11.1 billion (Ksh1.435 trillion) as of mid-August, enough to cover 4.9 months of imports, above the statutory threshold of four months.
It has also helped maintain the stability of the Kenyan shilling, which exchanged at Ksh129.24 against the U.S. dollar on August 14, 2025.
The CBK said this stability was aided by remittances alongside inflows into government securities and investor confidence.
Remittances are largely used by households to cover expenses such as food, school fees, healthcare, and investment in real estate, but their broader macroeconomic impact is tied to foreign exchange earnings.
The developments come at a time when the government has launched a nationwide survey programme to collect information on international remittances received by Kenyan households.
Dubbed the Remittances Household Survey (RHS), the programme will see field personnel visit homes that have received remittances and collect information about the amounts they have received from friends and relatives abroad.
The strong inflows come at a time when the CBK is easing monetary policy, having lowered the base lending rate from 9.75 per cent to 9.5 per cent in August to stimulate private sector credit while keeping inflation expectations stable.
