Central Bank foreign reserves drop by Ksh11.77 billion

Kenya's foreign reserves fell by Ksh11.77 billion this week to USD 13.149 billion, the Central Bank of Kenya reported on 20 June 2026. The decline occurred as the government prepares to close its 2025/2026 fiscal year accounts.

Data from the Central Bank of Kenya showed reserves at USD 13.149 billion, down from USD 13.240 billion the previous week. The reserves still exceed the 5.6-month import cover requirement, above the statutory minimum of four months.

Remittances in May fell by 0.9 per cent to Ksh50.98 billion from Ksh51.45 billion in April. The 12-month cumulative inflows to May 2026 dropped by 0.5 per cent to Ksh647.7 billion.

The Kenyan shilling weakened slightly, trading at Ksh129.55 against the US dollar on Thursday compared to Ksh129.48 on June 11. It also lost ground against the pound, euro and Japanese yen.

“Remittance inflows remain a key source of foreign exchange earnings and continue to support the balance of payments,” the Central Bank of Kenya stated.

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