Kenya has hit a historic milestone, with remittances from its diaspora surpassing Sh1 trillion as of November 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary announced.
He is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary.
Speaking during the Third Quarterly Media Briefing on Foreign Policy held at the Ministry headquarters, Mudavadi described the achievement as a significant contribution to Kenya’s economy and a reflection of the government’s commitment to diaspora welfare and engagement.
“Diaspora remittances remain a vital pillar of our economy, providing financial support to households while directly contributing to national development,’’ Mudavadi said.
‘’These resources are essential in complementing our economic strategies and advancing Kenya’s growth agenda.’’
He emphasized that the government is committed to providing an enabling environment that safeguards Kenyan workers abroad and maximizes the benefits of their contributions.
The Ministry reported that since 2023, more than 430,000 Kenyans have gained employment abroad through Bilateral Labor Agreements (BLAs), alongside access to thousands of digital jobs facilitated through initiatives such as the Ajira Digital Programme.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, diaspora remittances increased from Sh543.3 billion in 2023 to Sh651.7 billion in 2024, culminating in the record-breaking Sh1 trillion as of November 2025.
Mudavadi highlighted the government’s proactive approach to protecting Kenyans from exploitation, particularly in high-risk regions such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Since 2022, more than 500 Kenyans have been successfully rescued and repatriated from situations of forced labor, human trafficking and abusive working conditions.
Currently, 126 Kenyans remain awaiting repatriation, including 69 in Thailand and 57 in Myanmar.
The Ministry continues to work closely with foreign governments and local authorities to ensure safe and efficient repatriation processes.
“While celebrating these milestones, we must remain vigilant against threats posed by unscrupulous agents and human traffickers. Our missions abroad continue to provide timely advisories and consular support to prevent exploitation,” Mudavadi said.
He urged all Kenyans seeking employment abroad to engage only with accredited recruitment agencies or the National Employment Authority, which regulates, accredits, and monitors agencies to ensure ethical recruitment standards.
Bilateral and regional agreements were noted to have significantly contributed to diaspora employment opportunities.
Mudavadi noted ongoing negotiations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan to expand skilled and semi-skilled labor placements.
These agreements he said, not only generate income for families but also align with Kenya’s broader national development goals, including investment in healthcare, education, and social welfare programmes.
The Ministry further emphasized the economic significance of diaspora remittances.
''With Sh1 trillion now flowing into the country, these funds surpass the earnings from traditional agricultural exports, including tea, coffee and horticultural produce,'' he said.
Mudavadi highlighted the government’s plans to harness these resources to support entrepreneurship, trade and investment initiatives, ensuring that remittances translate into sustainable economic growth.
The Prime CS pointed out that Kenya’s missions abroad have become pivotal in enhancing trade linkages, facilitating investment and protecting citizens’ rights.
“Diaspora diplomacy is integral to Kenya’s foreign policy. Our citizens abroad are not only contributors to our economy but also ambassadors of our national interests,” he said.
The Prime CS expressed concern over cases of Kenyans being lured into online scamming, forced labor and other forms of exploitation through fraudulent job offers abroad.
He outlined steps taken by the Ministry, including public awareness campaigns, strengthened legal frameworks and intergovernmental collaboration to mitigate these risks.
The CS cited recent interventions in Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Qatar, which included the processing of emergency travel documents, DNA verification for children, and the safe repatriation of mothers and their children.
Regional trade and employment dynamics were also highlighted.
Kenya continues to maintain strong economic relations within the East African Community with positive trade balances with Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya’s exports to Uganda in 2024 totaled Sh125 billion, compared to imports of Sh36 billion, while exports to Tanzania were valued at Sh65 billion, with imports of Sh57 billion.
Mudavadi stressed that the government remains committed to fostering bilateral relations and resolving emerging consular issues to protect Kenyans living and working in neighboring countries.
The event also showcased Kenya’s leadership in global and regional diplomacy, climate action and peacebuilding initiatives.
Mudavadi emphasized the country’s active role in regional peace processes, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Haiti.
The briefing affirmed Kenya’s commitment to leveraging both its diaspora and diplomatic networks to promote national interests while contributing to regional and international stability.
The event brought together Principal Secretaries Dr. Korir Sing’oei and Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu alongside senior Ministry officials and representatives of the media.
Mudavadi reaffirmed the government’s
commitment to transparent diplomacy, protection of Kenyan workers abroad and
the strategic harnessing of diaspora resources to accelerate national
development.
