The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), in collaboration with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and Financial Sector Deepening Kenya (FSD Kenya), has launched the country’s inaugural Remittances Household Survey (RHS). This milestone initiative aims to gather comprehensive data on international remittance flows, including financial and in-kind support sent to and received by Kenyan households.
The survey, scheduled to run from July to September 2025, targets households that either send or receive remittances. It seeks to go beyond existing data collection mechanisms by capturing informal channels and non-cash remittances such as goods and services, which are often overlooked in traditional data gathering systems.
According to CBK, remittances have become a vital economic pillar for Kenya. In 2024, the country recorded an all-time high of KSh666.7 billion in remittance inflows, up from KSh586 billion in 2023. This figure now accounts for approximately 4 per cent of the national GDP, underlining the growing importance of diaspora contributions to the economy.
Currently, CBK collects remittance data through official platforms, including commercial banks, mobile network operators, and money transfer services. However, these figures may not fully capture the broader scope of remittance behavior. The new RHS aims to bridge this data gap by exploring remittance volumes, frequencies, associated costs, usage patterns, and the challenges faced by both senders and recipients.
“The 2025 RHS is a critical step in improving the accuracy and depth of remittance data,” CBK stated. “It will inform evidence-based policy interventions that can enhance the efficiency, safety, and accessibility of remittance channels.”
CBK has urged selected households to cooperate fully with field officers during the exercise, emphasizing the importance of accurate data in shaping effective economic policies.
The insights from the survey are expected to play a key role in bolstering financial inclusion, optimizing remittance flows, and crafting strategic frameworks that better support Kenyan families reliant on diaspora contributions.
