Diaspora remittances from the US (in million dollars)

The flow of diaspora remittances from the United States to Kenya has encountered a significant cooling period at the start of 2026.

After years of aggressive growth that saw the US cement its position as the primary source of dollar inflows for the country, January recorded a sharp 14.7 percent decline.

Total monthly inflows from the American diaspora dropped to $194.14 million, a stark contrast to the momentum built throughout the previous year.

Historically, the US corridor has shown remarkable resilience. Data from the Central Bank of Kenya illustrates a steady climb from $116.99 million in 2020 to a peak of $227.5 million in 2025.

While there was a minor dip in 2023, where figures slid to $204.31 million from the previous year’s $209.14 million, the trajectory quickly recovered to hit $221.01 million in 2024. This current slump represents one of the most substantial month-on-month contractions in recent years.

Despite the percentage dip in dollar terms, the sheer volume of capital remains a cornerstone of the economy.

In January 2026 alone, Kenyans living in the US sent home Sh25 billion. This highlights the critical nature of the diaspora even during volatile periods.

The shift from the $227.5 million average seen in 2025 to the current $194.14 million suggests a tightening of pockets or a shift in the economic landscape for Kenyans abroad.

As the year unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this is a seasonal blip or the start of a broader trend in diaspora financial behaviour.