Kenyans living and working abroad sent home Ksh54.68 billion in June 2025 in remittances, equivalent to $423 million, marking a 13.8 per cent rise compared to the same period last year.
According to a Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) bulletin, the 12-month cumulative inflows to June 2025 increased by 12.1 per cent to $5,084 million (Ksh 657.30 billion) compared to $4,535 million (Ksh 586.15 billion) in a similar period in 2024.
However, the June 2025 inflows represent a drop of at least $17.1 million (Ksh 2.2 billion) from May, when money sent by Kenyans living and working abroad hit a new high of $ 440.1 million (Ksh 56.9 billion)—the highest monthly figure recorded so far this year.
The new record set in May surpassed January’s total of $427.4 million (Ksh55.2 billion), which had been the highest in the past five months.
Kenyans in Diaspora Send Home Ksh 54 Billion in June 2025
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, remittances remain a key source of foreign exchange and continue to play a vital role in supporting the country’s balance of payments.
The United States remained the leading source of diaspora remittances to Kenya, contributing USD 244.69 million (Ksh 31.63 billion), which accounted for 57.8 percent of the total inflows in June 2025.
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Europe followed with $80.16 million (Ksh 10.36 billion) (18.9 percent), while other regions—including the Middle East, Asia, and Africa—collectively contributed $97.98 million (Ksh 12.67 billion) (23.2 percent).
Since 2015, diaspora remittances have emerged as Kenya’s leading source of foreign exchange, surpassing traditional earners such as tourism, foreign direct investment, and key agricultural exports like tea and horticulture.
Remittances have played a crucial role in supporting household consumption and driving investments in key sectors such as real estate, education, and healthcare.
An analysis by WorldRemit indicates that education, healthcare, and household needs are the primary uses of remittances in Kenya.
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Diaspora Remittances Record Slower 2.2pc Growth in 1st Quarter
Kenyans living and working abroad sent home $1.23 billion (Ksh159.5 billion) during the first three months of this year.
This marked a slower growth rate of 2.2 percent compared to the pace recorded during a similar period last year when the inflows jumped 18.8 percent to $1.21 billion (Ksh156.9 billion).
Total remittance inflows for the first quarter of 2025 (January to March) recorded an increase of $26.4 million (Ksh 3.4 billion) compared to the same period in 2024.
However, this was a sharp contrast to the $190.5 million (Ksh 24.7 billion) year-on-year increase recorded during the first quarter of 2024, highlighting a significant slowdown in growth.
The dip coincided with the assumption of office by U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has rolled out a series of radical anti-immigrant policies, including threats of mass deportations.
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