The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced the commencement of the country’s first-ever Remittances Household Survey (RHS).
The survey, according to CBK, is being done in partnership with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and Financial Sector Deepening Kenya (FSD Kenya).
It seeks to collect detailed data on international remittance flows, financial and in-kind support received by Kenyan households from abroad, and vice versa.
It will be conducted between July and September 2025, targeting selected households that either receive or send remittances.
In a statement, CBK noted that remittance inflows have become an increasingly important pillar of the Kenyan economy.
In 2024 alone, remittances hit a historic high of Sh666.7 billion, accounting for approximately 4 per cent of the country’s GDP, up from Sh586 billion in 2023.
While CBK currently collects remittance data from authorised channels, commercial banks, mobile network operators, and money transfer services, the new survey aims to capture more comprehensive information.
This includes flows through informal networks and non-cash support, such as goods and services.
“The 2025 RHS is a critical step in improving the accuracy and depth of remittance data. It will shed light on key aspects such as the amounts sent and received, associated costs, usage patterns, and challenges faced, which will in turn help shape evidence-based policy interventions,” the statement read.
CBK has urged households selected to participate to cooperate fully with field personnel.
It has stressed that the exercise is vital for the development of policies aimed at enhancing and securing remittance flows into and out of the country.
