Kenyans living abroad sent home KSh56.5 billion in July 2026, marking a 16.2 per cent increase in monthly remittance inflows.
According to a report by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), remittance inflows rose to USD 436.6 million in July from USD 375.6 million in June.
The increase was attributed to higher inflows from key source markets.
“Remittance inflows to Kenya totalled USD 436.6 million in July 2026, compared to USD 375.6 million in June 2026, an increase of 16.2 percent,” CBK said.
“The increase reflected higher remittance inflows from key source markets.
Remittance inflows remain a key source of foreign exchange earnings and support to the balance of payments.”
The latest rise comes against a backdrop of slower remittance growth earlier in the year.
CBK data shows that cumulative remittance inflows for the 12 months to June 2026 stood at USD4.960 billion, down 2.4 per cent from USD5.084 billion recorded in the 12 months to June 2025.
Inflows between January and June 2026 also declined to USD2.442 billion from USD2.518 billion during the same period in 2025, representing a 3 per cent drop.
Kenya Remittances Rise 16.2% to KSh56.5 Billion in July
The CBK attributed the slowdown to reduced inflows from the United States and Saudi Arabia, although remittance flows remained resilient due to diversified source countries and government policies supporting the export of skilled labour.
The July increase, however, pushed the 12-month cumulative inflows to USD4.987 billion, although this remained 1.8 per cent below the USD5.080 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
Remittances remain an important source of foreign exchange for Kenya, with the CBK noting that they support the country’s balance of payments.
For thousands of Kenyan households, the money sent from abroad also provides support for everyday expenses, including education, housing, food, healthcare and business activities.
About 3 million Kenyans live abroad, mostly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, where many work in healthcare, education, construction, and domestic work
Kenyans abroad continue to send billions home each year, making remittances one of Kenya’s strongest sources of foreign exchange.
In 2025 alone, Kenyans abroad sent home over KSh 160 billion in the first quarter, showing their steady support for families and ongoing interest in investing back home.
The Shilling traded at KSh129.40 against the US dollar on August 13, compared with KSh129.41 on August 6.
Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves stood at USD15.245 billion as of August 13, equivalent to 6.3 months of import cover.
This remains above the CBK’s statutory goal to maintain at least four months of import cover.
Meanwhile, investors offered KSh460.4 billion for three reopened Treasury bonds against a KSh150 billion target, representing a performance of 307 per cent.
The bonds had maturities of 16, 18 and 21 years.
Investors also submitted bids worth KSh40.8 billion for Treasury bills against an advertised KSh28 billion, representing a performance of 145.7 per cent.
At the Nairobi Securities Exchange, the NASI and NSE 25 share price indices increased by 1.40 per cent and 1.39 per cent, respectively, during the week ending August 13.
The NSE 20 share price index also rose by 0.43 per cent, while market capitalization increased by 1.40 per cent.
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