Kenya’s Diaspora Remittances Fall to KSh53 Billion in January
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
Kenyans living abroad sent home KSh53 billion in January 2026, equivalent to $411.3 million, marking a 3.8 per cent decline compared to the same month last year. The latest data released by the Central Bank of Kenya shows inflows dropped from $427.4 million recorded in January 2025.
The regulator indicated that the monthly decrease amounted to $16.1 million year-on-year. Despite the dip, remittances continue to play a vital role in supporting households and contributing to Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves.
Over the 12 months to January 2026, cumulative remittances rose slightly by 1.2 per cent to $5.021 billion, compared to $4.96 billion during a similar period the previous year. The marginal growth suggests resilience in diaspora inflows despite short-term fluctuations.
The central bank reiterated that diaspora remittances remain one of the country’s key sources of foreign exchange earnings and a stabilising factor for the balance of payments.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan shilling held steady against major global and regional currencies during the week ending February 12. It traded at KSh129.02 against the U.S. dollar, unchanged from the previous week.
Money market conditions remained stable, supported by active liquidity management operations. Commercial banks maintained excess reserves averaging KSh12.7 billion above the required 3.25 per cent cash reserve ratio.
In the government securities market, investor appetite remained strong. Treasury bill and bond auctions attracted bids far exceeding the amounts on offer, signalling continued confidence in government debt instruments.
Earlier in the week, the Monetary Policy Committee reduced the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 8.75 per cent from 9.00 per cent. The committee cited stable inflation expectations and ongoing monetary easing in major global economies as key considerations behind the decision.
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