Kenyans in diaspora took the spotlight at the National Stakeholder Remittance Network Conference in Nairobi, where the government committee itself to transforming remittances into a strategic resource for national development.

Speaking at the conference, State Department for Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu lauded the Kenyan diaspora as “architects of economic transformation,” noting that remittances are no longer just financial transfers but a “lifeline of hope and powerful engine of economic and social development.”

“In January 2025 alone, Kenya received $427.6 million in remittances, marking a 3.63 per cent increase from the previous year. These are not just numbers; they represent the resilience and sacrifice of millions of Kenyans abroad,” said the Principal Secretary.

The event, held in recognition of the International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) echoed the global theme of Remittances Financing Development.

It also comes at a pivotal moment, ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Sevilla, where remittances are expected to feature prominently in global financing strategies.

Remittances remain a cornerstone of Kenya’s foreign exchange and household incomes. In 2024, inflows hit $4.945 billion – equivalent to 4.1 per cent of GDP – underscoring their vital role in sustaining livelihoods and stimulating local economies.

“Our diaspora faces immense challenges abroad – adapting to new cultures and climates – but they continue to invest in the dreams of those back home. That resilience is shaping Kenya’s economic story,” the principal secretary noted.

While Kenya has made significant progress in digital remittance systems, barriers persist. The cost of sending money to Kenya remains above 6 per cent, double the 3 per cent global target set under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 10.c).

Access to financial services also remains uneven, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.

Njogu urged stakeholders to work toward reducing remittance costs, strengthening digital infrastructure and rolling out financial literacy programs to empower both senders and recipients.

“Let us stop viewing remittances as peripheral. They are a strategic national asset that can unlock widespread development – if we get the policies and partnerships right,” the observed.

The conference also showcased strong partnerships among government agencies, private sector players, and international organizations.

Notably, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) highlighted its support for digital financial inclusion projects in Kenya in collaboration with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the Central Bank and FSD Kenya.

“Migrants and their families are not just recipients of aid – they are active agents of transformation up to 25 per cent of remittances go toward savings and investment. With the right tools, that share can grow,” said Mariatu Kamara, Country Director International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs was praised for fostering trust and engagement with Kenyans abroad, serving as a model in the region.

As global attention turns to Sevilla for Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), Kenya is positioning itself as a thought-leader in leveraging remittances for sustainable development. The Principal Secretary concluded by urging stakeholders to reimagine remittances not as charity, but as capital with transformative potential.

The National Stakeholder Remittance Network Conference, underscored Kenya’s growing recognition of the diaspora’s critical role in shaping the country’s economic future.

With remittance flows on the rise and digital channels expanding, the government and its partners appear poised to harness this momentum – building inclusive financial systems that not only serve families today, but also lay the groundwork for long-term national development.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Amina Bakari and George Gerish

State Department for Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu addresses the audience at the National Stakeholder Remittance Network Conference in Nairobi.