Kenyans living abroad sent home a record-breaking $2.515 billion (approximately KSh 325.4
billion) in the first six months of 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Kenya. The surge in remittances represents a 5.8% increase compared to the same period in
2024, reaffirming the diaspora's vital role in supporting the country’s economy.
The United States remained the leading source of remittances, contributing over 57% of the total inflows in May alone. Analysts attribute the spike in transfers to growing concerns among diaspora communities over the impending implementation of a new 3.5% excise tax on cross-border money transfers in the United States, expected to take effect in early 2026.
Many Kenyans abroad are reportedly accelerating their remittance activity in anticipation of the added
cost. Remittances have become Kenya’s largest source of foreign exchange, surpassing traditional sectors such as tourism and agriculture. The funds sent by Kenyans overseas continue to play a
crucial role in supporting families, paying school fees, covering healthcare costs, and investing in real estate and small businesses.
billion) in the first six months of 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Kenya. The surge in remittances represents a 5.8% increase compared to the same period in
2024, reaffirming the diaspora's vital role in supporting the country’s economy.
The United States remained the leading source of remittances, contributing over 57% of the total inflows in May alone. Analysts attribute the spike in transfers to growing concerns among diaspora communities over the impending implementation of a new 3.5% excise tax on cross-border money transfers in the United States, expected to take effect in early 2026.
Many Kenyans abroad are reportedly accelerating their remittance activity in anticipation of the added
cost. Remittances have become Kenya’s largest source of foreign exchange, surpassing traditional sectors such as tourism and agriculture. The funds sent by Kenyans overseas continue to play a
crucial role in supporting families, paying school fees, covering healthcare costs, and investing in real estate and small businesses.
In June 2025 alone, Kenyans abroad sent $378.1 million, marking a 13.8% rise from the same month in 2024. This upward trend pushed the 12-month cumulative remittance figure to $5.08
billion, a 12.1% increase year-on-year.
As global economic conditions evolve and diaspora communities respond to policy changes abroad, Kenyan financial authorities are now exploring strategies to sustain and grow remittance inflows, including potential incentives to keep the cost of sending money affordable.
The latest figures underscore the enduring strength of the Kenyan diaspora’s commitment to home, fueling not just households, but the broader national economy.
billion, a 12.1% increase year-on-year.
As global economic conditions evolve and diaspora communities respond to policy changes abroad, Kenyan financial authorities are now exploring strategies to sustain and grow remittance inflows, including potential incentives to keep the cost of sending money affordable.
The latest figures underscore the enduring strength of the Kenyan diaspora’s commitment to home, fueling not just households, but the broader national economy.
