Kenyans abroad sent home USD394.2 million (Sh51.04 billion) in May 2026, according to the Central Bank of Kenya’s weekly bulletin. April’s figure was USD397.8 million (Sh51.50 billion). That works out to a 0.9 per cent drop from one month to the next, and the second monthly decline in a row.
The dip follows a big spike. March set an all-time high of USD450.3 million (Sh58.14 billion), up from USD412.7 million (Sh53.28 billion) in February. It also beat the earlier record of USD440.1 million (Sh56.82 billion), set in May 2025.
Here’s the longer view. Over the 12 months to May 2026, inflows totaled USD5.008 billion (Sh648.39 billion). The same stretch a year earlier brought in USD5.033 billion (Sh651.62 billion), so the latest 12 months came in 0.5 per cent lower.
The central bank still treats the money as a vital source of foreign exchange. In its view, remittances continue to support the country’s balance of payments.
Worry over the Gulf
The softer numbers arrive alongside concern about rising tensions in the Gulf region. Analysts have warned that a long conflict could hurt job prospects for Kenyan migrant workers, especially in Middle Eastern countries that host large numbers of East African workers.
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) put a number on the risk. Its study said Kenya could lose approximately USD40 million (Sh5.18 billion) in monthly remittances if the fighting drags on and Kenyans in the Gulf lose their jobs or have to return home. The same study cautioned that damage to banking systems and telecommunications infrastructure could slow or stop transfers altogether.
Gulf states rank among the most important destinations for Kenyans who work abroad, in hospitality, construction, retail and security. Remittances from the region to Kenya had climbed to more than USD4 billion (Sh517.88 billion) by 2024.
