Remittance inflows to Kenya reached record highs in April 2025, underpinning current account stability and supporting the foreign exchange market.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, inflows in April 2025 totalled USD 422.9 million (KSh 63.4 billion), representing a 6.4% year-on-year increase from USD 397.3 million (KSh 59.6 billion) in April 2024.
Cumulative remittance inflows for the 12 months to April 2025 rose by 12.1% to USD 4,997 million (KSh 749.6 billion), up from USD 4,457 million (KSh 668.6 billion) during the corresponding period in 2024.
| Year | Month | North America | Europe | Rest of World | Total Remittances (USD ‘000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 243,337.16 | 71,003.74 | 113,033.72 | 427,374.62 |
| 2025 | 2 | 215,577.36 | 70,853.91 | 95,813.43 | 382,244.71 |
| 2025 | 3 | 238,822.58 | 75,971.43 | 108,102.71 | 422,896.73 |
| 2025 | 4 | 252,027.72 | 71,627.24 | 99,236.35 | 422,891.30 |
These sustained inflows continue to support the stability of Kenya’s current account and enhance the resilience of the foreign exchange market.
Notably, the United States remained the leading source of remittances, accounting for 56% of total inflows in April 2025.
The CBK attributes this growth to the ongoing financial support from Kenyans living and working abroad, which remains a critical source of foreign exchange and a key factor in stabilising the country’s economy.
The CBK monitors remittance inflows through monthly surveys of formal channels, including commercial banks and authorised international remittance service providers.
Policy Developments
The increase in remittance inflows comes amid reports that the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is considering introducing a remittance tax on funds sent by Kenyans residing in the United States. This policy development could have implications for future remittance trends.
