The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) publishes regular statistics on diaspora remittance inflows to Kenya throughits official website. These data provide one of the most consistent publicly available sources of remittance data in Africa.

Data collection and Coverage

Diaspora remittance statistics are compiled by the Central Bank of Kenya based on reports submitted by commercial banks and licensed international money transfer operators (IMTOs) operating in Kenya. The data capture formal remittance inflows sent through regulated financial institutions and do not include transfers through informal channels. CBK publishes monthly remittance inflow data, typically released with a short lag following the reporting period. The data is available through the CBK website.

The Central Bank of Kenya publishes remittance inflows by source location, enabling analysis of key remittance corridors. The United States consistently accounts for the largest share of remittances to Kenya, followed by contributions from Europe, the Middle East, and other regions.

Complementary surveys

In addition to administrative data, the Central Bank of Kenya has undertaken dedicated Diaspora Remittances Surveys to better understand remittance behaviour, including transfer channels, costs, and the use of remittances by recipient households. These surveys provide additional insights that complement the monthly remittance statistics.

Policy relevance

Remittances represent a major source of foreign exchange for Kenya and play an important role in supporting household incomes and economic activity. The regular publication of diaspora remittance data by CBK contributes to improved transparency and supports evidence-based policymaking related to migration, financial inclusion, and remittance markets.

Learn more: https://www.centralbank.go.ke/diaspora-remittances/