The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has reported that Kenyans living and working abroad sent home USD 450.3 million (approximately KSh 58 billion) in remittances in March 2026.
According to a CBK Weekly Bulletin released on April 17, the inflows rose from USD 412.7 million recorded in February, marking a 9.1 percent increase month-on-month.
The cumulative inflows over the 12 months to March 2026 also rose by 2.2 percent to USD 5.079 billion, compared with USD 4.972 billion in the same period in 2025.
CBK noted that remittances continue to play a critical role in supporting Kenya’s balance of payments and remain a key source of foreign exchange earnings.
“Remittance inflows to Kenya totalled USD 450.3 million in March 2026 from USD 412.7 million in February 2026, an increase of 9.1 percent,” read part of the report.
Kenyan Shillings Remain Stable
At the same time, CBK reported that the Kenyan Shilling remained stable during the week ending April 16, 2026, trading at KSh 129.18 against the US dollar, slightly stronger from KSh 129.53 recorded on April 9.
The stability, CBK explained, was supported by adequate foreign exchange reserves, which stood at USD 13.306 billion, equivalent to 5.6 months of import cover, exceeding the statutory minimum of 4 months.
On April 16, CBK Governor Kamau Thugge said that while the Kenyan shilling came under pressure at the peak of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, it has since recovered most of the losses.
He noted that the currency has stabilized and reiterated that any future depreciation would be gradual, supported by the country’s strong foreign exchange reserves, which provide a buffer against external shocks.
Also Read: CBK Seeks to End Forced Insurance and Hidden Charges in Banks
CBK on Money Market
In the money market, liquidity conditions remained steady, with commercial banks maintaining excess reserves averaging KSh12.8 billion above the required Cash Reserve Ratio.
The Kenya Shilling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (KESONIA) edged up slightly to 8.76 percent from 8.75 percent the previous week.
In government securities, Treasury bill performance stood at 58.3 percent, with bids totaling KSh14.0 billion against an advertised KSh24.0 billion.
Also Read: CBK Allays Fears Over Kenyan Shilling Stability Amid Global Shocks
Meanwhile, Treasury bonds recorded strong demand, with a 191.7 percent performance rate, attracting KSh38.3 billion against an offer of KSh20.0 billion.
At the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), all major indices posted gains, with increased market capitalization and higher trading activity reflecting improved investor sentiment.
Globally, inflationary pressures remained elevated, with rising energy costs and services inflation driving increases in both the United States and the Euro area.
Oil prices remained high despite easing geopolitical tensions, with Murban crude trading at USD 89.61 per barrel amid ongoing shipping constraints through the Strait of Hormuz.
