Kenya shilling steady as remittances increase
By Faith Lagat, November 15, 2025The Kenyan shilling held firm against major global and regional currencies in the week ending November 13, 2025, according to the latest Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Weekly Bulletin issued on November 14, 2025.
The CBK reports, “The Kenya Shilling remained stable against major international and regional currencies during the week ending November 13, 2025. It exchanged at 129.25 per U.S. dollar on November 13, compared to 129.23 per U.S. dollar on November 6.”
This marginal movement highlights continued steadiness in the foreign exchange market, with data showing minimal shifts against the dollar, Sterling Pound, Euro, Japanese Yen, and regional currencies such as the Uganda Shilling, Tanzania Shilling, Rwandese Franc, and Burundi Franc.
Foreign exchange reserves strengthen
Kenya’s forex reserves posted a notable improvement during the review period, reinforcing the country’s external position.
“The foreign exchange reserves remained adequate at USD 12,292 million (5.4 months of import cover) as of November 13. This meets the CBK’s statutory requirement to endeavour to maintain at least 4 months of import cover,” read the CBK weekly bulletin in part.
The reserves rose from USD 12,163 million on November 6 to Ksh 1.587 trillion by November 13, boosting import cover from 5.3 to 5.4 months. This upward movement strengthens Kenya’s buffer against external pressures and supports stability in currency management.
Remittances register steady growth
Remittance inflows, a key source of foreign exchange earnings, also showed positive momentum. According to the CBK, “Remittance inflows to Kenya totalled USD 438.8 million in October 2025, from USD 437.2 million in October 2024, an increase of 0.4 per cent,”
“The 12-month cumulative inflows to October 2025 increased by 5.8 percent to approximately Ksh 656.5 billion compared to about Ksh 621.0 billion in a similar period in 2024.” The bulletin adds, “Remittance inflows remain a key source of foreign exchange earnings and continue to support the balance of payments.”
The year-on-year rise in monthly inflows, combined with stronger cumulative performance over the past year, highlights the contribution of the Kenyan diaspora to the country’s foreign exchange stability.
Together with firm forex reserves and a steady currency, the latest data points to sustained confidence in Kenya’s external sector as reflected in the CBK’s weekly update.