TANZANIA SURGES AHEAD OF SAUDI ARABIA IN KENYA’S REMITTANCE RACE
Tanzania has overtaken Saudi Arabia as the leading source of Kenya’s monthly diaspora remittances for the first time, with August 2026 inflows reaching $11.72 million.
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Kenya’s diaspora remittance landscape has recorded a notable shift after money sent home from Tanzania surpassed inflows from Saudi Arabia for the first time in August 2026.
According to data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Kenyans in Tanzania sent home $11.72 million (about KSh1.52 billion) in August, narrowly exceeding the $11.61 million (about KSh1.50 billion) received from Saudi Arabia.
The development marks a significant change in the two remittance corridors. Tanzania’s August inflows increased by 72.3 per cent compared with the $6.80 million recorded in August 2025. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, recorded a 28.7 per cent decline, falling from $16.30 million during the same period last year.
Saudi Arabia has traditionally been one of Kenya’s largest sources of diaspora income. However, its contribution has weakened considerably in recent months. CBK data cited in the latest reports show that Kenyans in Saudi Arabia sent about $198.1 million home in the 12 months to June 2026, down from approximately $390.6 million in the preceding 12-month period.
Tanzania has moved in the opposite direction. Remittances from the neighbouring country rose to about $90.3 million in the 12 months to June 2026, compared with approximately $68.6 million in the previous 12-month period.
The August figures, however, represent a monthly crossover rather than a full-year reversal. Saudi Arabia remained the larger source over the 12 months to June 2026.
The wider remittance market also remained relatively strong. Kenya received $451.85 million in diaspora remittances in August 2026, up from $426.13 million in August 2025, representing a 6.03 per cent increase.
The CBK has previously noted that Kenya's remittance sources are becoming more diversified, with non-traditional markets, including countries within the East African Community, playing a growing role.
The latest figures therefore point to a changing pattern in where Kenyans abroad are earning and sending money from, with Tanzania emerging as an increasingly important remittance corridor.
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Written by Anne Moses
Reporter and staff writer at Getembe News.
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