Kenya’s diaspora remittances edged up slightly in September 2025, reaching USD 419.6 million, a 0.2% higher than the USD 418.5 million recorded in September 2024.
Despite the modest monthly uptick, cumulative inflows over the 12 months to September 2025 surged by 7.6%, totalling USD 5.08 billion compared to USD 4.72 billion in the previous year.
This sustained growth underscores the critical role of remittances as a pillar of Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings and a stabiliser for the balance of payments.
Regional Contributions: North America Leads, Europe Gains
A breakdown of the monthly inflows reveals consistent dominance by North America, which contributed USD 245.9 million in September 2025—58.6% of total remittances.
Europe followed with USD 81.6 million (19.5%), while the rest of the world accounted for USD 92.1 million (22%).
| Month | North America (USD ‘000) | Europe (USD ‘000) | Rest of World (USD ‘000) | Total (USD ‘000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | 243,337.16 | 71,003.74 | 113,033.72 | 427,374.62 |
| Feb 2025 | 215,577.36 | 70,853.91 | 95,813.43 | 382,244.71 |
| Mar 2025 | 238,822.58 | 75,971.43 | 108,102.71 | 422,896.73 |
| Apr 2025 | 252,027.72 | 71,627.24 | 99,236.35 | 422,891.30 |
| May 2025 | 251,421.74 | 80,514.75 | 108,139.84 | 440,076.33 |
| Jun 2025 | 244,692.43 | 80,157.39 | 97,983.73 | 422,833.55 |
| Jul 2025 | 241,300.27 | 72,749.93 | 96,042.86 | 410,093.06 |
| Aug 2025 | 258,161.42 | 78,629.33 | 89,342.63 | 426,133.37 |
| Sep 2025 | 245,855.17 | 81,629.96 | 92,140.00 | 419,625.13 |
Trends and Implications
- North America’s resilience: Despite fluctuations, North America consistently contributes over half of Kenya’s monthly remittance inflows, reflecting strong ties with the diaspora in the U.S. and Canada.
- European rebound: Europe’s share rose from USD 71 million in January to USD 81.6 million in September, suggesting improving economic conditions or enhanced remittance channels.
- Diversification: Contributions from the rest of the world remain significant, averaging over USD 95 million monthly, highlighting Kenya’s global diaspora footprint.
Policy and Market Impact
Remittances continue to buffer Kenya’s current account, offering a reliable inflow amid global economic uncertainties.
