NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), in partnership with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and Financial Sector Deepening Kenya (FSD Kenya), has rolled out the first-ever Remittances Household Survey to gather crucial data on cross-border money flows.
Running from July to September 2025, the nationwide survey aims to quantify the volume and impact of international money transfers, both inward and outward, including non-cash remittances like gifts and goods sent across borders.
“The purpose of the 2025 RHS is to collect qualitative and quantitative information on inward and outward remittances,” KNBS said.
“The data collected will be used to improve national statistics for planning, research and policy formulation.”
Remittances, funds sent by Kenyans living abroad to families and friends back home form a key part of the economy, consistently ranking as one of Kenya’s top sources of foreign exchange.
The survey will also examine transfers made by Kenyans to relatives living overseas.
The exercise will capture the value of remittances, channels used (such as mobile money, banks, and informal methods), transaction costs, and the challenges faced in sending or receiving money.
Key survey objectives include assessing how households utilize remittances, be it for education, healthcare, housing, or investment, and measuring their effect on recipients’ livelihoods.
The findings are expected to guide Kenya’s financial policies and influence planning on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The 2025 RHS is expected to produce national estimates on the magnitude of remittance flows into Kenya and out of Kenya,” the statement added.
Households selected for the survey are required to participate under the Statistics Act, CAP 112, with KNBS assuring confidentiality of all data collected.
Trained field personnel with official identification will visit homes to administer the survey.
Once compiled, results will be published in aggregated form on the websites of KNBS, CBK, and FSD Kenya.
Stakeholders believe the findings will lead to more efficient, inclusive, and secure remittance systems that benefit millions of Kenyan families.
