Kenyan households sent KSh40.5 billion abroad, with Turkey emerging as the top destination for outbound remittances, according to the 2025 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Household Remittances Report.
The KNBS report released on June 16 showed that Turkey received 27.8 percent of all cash remittances sent from Kenya, amounting to KSh10.1 billion.
The United States followed with KSh6.6 billion, accounting for 18.3 percent of the total outflows, while the United Kingdom received KSh6.3 billion, representing 17.2 percent.
“Recipients in Turkey received the bulk of cash remittances, accounting for 27.8 percent of the total cash remittance outflows. Recipients in the United States of America ranked second, receiving 18.3 percent of the total cash remittance outflows,” read part of the report.
KNBS Report Shows That Kenyans Sent Ksh40.5 Billion Abroad
Within the East African Community (EAC), Uganda remained the leading recipient of money sent from Kenya, receiving KSh4.3 billion in cash transfers alongside substantial in-kind support, mainly in the form of food.
The KNBS report further indicates that the United States was the largest destination for in-kind remittances valued at KSh1.6 billion, with food constituting the bulk of the items sent abroad.
Australia and Ukraine also featured among key destinations for outbound remittances, accounting for 3.7 percent and 3.4 percent of total cash outflows, respectively.
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Full List of Countries
| Country | Cash Outflow (KSh Millions) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | 10,072.5 |
| United States of America | 6,628.4 |
| United Kingdom | 6,250.8 |
| Uganda | 4,309.0 |
| Australia | 1,355.4 |
| Tanzania | 1,294.3 |
| Ukraine | 1,245.5 |
| United Arab Emirates | 1,071.9 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1,005.5 |
| Ethiopia | 726.4 |
| Denmark | 535.1 |
| Italy | 495.9 |
| Germany | 192.3 |
| Qatar | 173.1 |
| Rwanda | 169.1 |
| South Africa | 139.1 |
| South Sudan | 132.8 |
| Somalia | 73.2 |
| India | 76.2 |
| Mozambique | 69.7 |
| Canada | 63.1 |
| Burundi | 59.4 |
| Iran | 46.8 |
| Switzerland | 45.4 |
| American Samoa | 6.5 |
| Eritrea | 5.3 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 5.2 |
| Djibouti | 4.5 |
| Colombia | 2.8 |
| Cyprus | 2.4 |
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Young Adults Received Bulk of Remittances Abroad
Remittances sent abroad were largely received by young adults aged 20–39 years, who accounted for the biggest share of total outflows.
According to the data, the age group received KSh32.4 billion, representing about 79.78 per cent of all remittance outflows.
“This age group received KSh 32.4 billion, accounting for approximately 79.78 per cent of the total remittance outflows, with the majority sent in cash. This pattern reflected the significant financial needs of young adults abroad, including education, living expenses, and initial settlement costs for students and early-career professionals,” read part of the report.
Recipients aged 0–19 years received comparatively smaller amounts, mainly in cash. The funds were largely directed towards schooling and basic household needs.
The KNBS report noted that this reflected continued parental and guardian support for children and adolescents abroad.
At the other end of the spectrum, individuals aged 60 years and above received KSh4.7 billion. This group accounted for about 32.3 per cent of all in-kind remittances, indicating a higher preference for goods and other non-cash support.
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