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Diaspora remittances to Kenya fell 1.9% to USD 430.5 million (about KSh 55.9 billion) in October 2026, from USD 438.8 million in October 2025, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) said in its Weekly Bulletin of 13 November 2026. Inflows for the 12 months to October dropped 1.1% to USD 5,023 million (about KSh 652.8 billion), compared with USD 5,082 million a year earlier.
“Remittance inflows remain a key source of foreign exchange earnings and continue to support the balance of payments,” CBK said.
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Diaspora remittances in October 2026: the numbers
CBK’s bulletin compares October 2026 with the same month a year earlier. All shilling figures below use the CBK rate of KSh 129.96 to the US dollar on 12 November.
| Measure | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| October inflows | USD 438.8m | USD 430.5m (about KSh 55.9bn) | -1.9% |
| 12 months to October | USD 5,082m | USD 5,023m (about KSh 652.8bn) | -1.1% |
The September figure and the run of earlier months are in our report on diaspora remittances in September 2026, and the main sending countries are in our guide to diaspora remittances to Kenya by country.
Forex reserves dip to USD 14.6 billion
CBK said its usable foreign exchange reserves “remained adequate” at USD 14,605 million as of 12 November, equal to 5.9 months of import cover. That is down from USD 14,699 million on 5 November and USD 14,740 million on 29 October, but above the statutory aim of at least four months of import cover.
The Kenya shilling exchanged at KSh 129.96 to the US dollar on 12 November, unchanged from 5 November. CBK said the shilling “remained stable against major international and regional currencies” during the week.
Money markets and Treasury bills
Banks’ excess reserves averaged KSh 31.5 billion above the 3.25% cash reserve ratio, and the Kenya Shilling Overnight Interbank Average (KESONIA) stayed at 8.75%. Average daily interbank deals rose to 23 from 16, worth KSh 13.4 billion against KSh 9.2 billion a week earlier.
The 12 November Treasury bill auction drew KSh 69.3 billion against KSh 28.0 billion on offer, a performance of 247.3%, as rates eased slightly; details are in our report on the T-bill results of 12 November. Yields on Kenya’s Eurobonds rose by an average of 2.85 basis points in the week, CBK said. Earlier moves are in our report on Kenya Eurobond yields.
What it means for households
CBK describes diaspora remittances as a key source of foreign exchange earnings that supports the balance of payments. How that money is used at home is covered in our report on how diaspora money is spent. Senders can compare channels in our guide to licensed money remittance providers in Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Kenya receive in diaspora remittances in October 2026?
USD 430.5 million, about KSh 55.9 billion, down 1.9% from USD 438.8 million in October 2025, according to CBK.
What were diaspora remittances over the last 12 months?
USD 5,023 million in the 12 months to October 2026, down 1.1% from USD 5,082 million a year earlier.
How much forex reserves does Kenya have?
USD 14,605 million as of 12 November 2026, equal to 5.9 months of import cover, according to CBK.
What is the shilling exchange rate?
CBK put the shilling at KSh 129.96 to the US dollar on 12 November 2026, unchanged from a week earlier.
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