Kenyans in diaspora continue to play an important part in sustaining the country’s economy, with remittances reaching an all-time high of USD 5.08 billion (KSh 656.99 billion) in the year leading up to June 2025.
- Remittances in June 2025 alone increased by 13.8% compared to June 2024.
- The Kenyan Central Bank noted remittance growth as a key contributor to foreign exchange earnings.
- August 2024 saw a significant rise in remittances, showing optimistic perspectives from the diaspora.
This is a significant increase in diaspora contributions, confirming Kenya’s ranking among the top ten African countries with the greatest remittance inflows.
Remittances in June 2025 alone totaled USD 423 million (KSh 54.68 billion), up 13.8% from USD 372 million (KSh 48.06 billion) in June 2024, according to figures from the Central Bank of Kenya.
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The country’s central bank further reported that 12-month total inflows to June 2025 climbed by 12.1% to USD 5.08 billion (KSh 656.99 billion) from USD 4.54 billion (KSh 586.09 billion) in the same period in 2024, as reported by Tuko.
“The steady growth in remittance inflows remains a key source of foreign exchange earnings and continues to support the balance of payments,” the bank stated.
The upward trajectory has persisted, with a notable increase also observed in August 2024.
That month, Kenyans living overseas remitted home USD 427.2 million (KSh 55.01 billion), up USD 72.9 million (KSh 9.4 billion) from August 2023.
Inflows increased to USD 4.645 billion (KSh 593 billion) for the 12 months ending August 2024 from USD 4.120 billion (KSh 529 billion) during the same period in 2023.
The 12.7% increase from the previous year underscores the growing optimism among Kenyans living outside about the economic future of their country.
Significance of Kenya’s diaspora remittance
The unwavering bond between the diaspora and their families in their homeland is powerfully underscored by the consistent and escalating flow of remittances.
These financial transfers are not merely private exchanges; they serve as a cornerstone for national development, injecting crucial capital into local economies, stimulating growth, and fostering entrepreneurial ventures.
Furthermore, remittances play an indispensable role in bolstering a nation’s foreign exchange reserves, providing a vital buffer against external economic shocks and supporting a stable currency.
Currently, Kenya ranks high among African countries with the highest diaspora remittances.
As Kenya navigates a complex landscape of economic possibilities and formidable challenges, the financial contributions from its diaspora remain an absolutely critical source of resilience.
This ongoing support provides a safety net for countless families, enabling access to education, healthcare, and improved living conditions, thereby mitigating poverty and fostering social stability.
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More profoundly, the consistent influx of diaspora funds cultivates a deep sense of hope for the future, inspiring confidence in sustained progress and offering a tangible pathway towards a more prosperous and equitable society for all Kenyans.
