Emigration and Remittances Utilisation in Kenya

Abstract

This study unpacks the contribution of the emigrants in homeland development through utilization of remittances send to households of origin. It analyses the mobility levels and patterns, and extent of remittances utilization in Kenya, using the 2009 Kenya Population and Housing census data. It establishes that sizable shares of migrant workers emigrate because of employment and seeking for education opportunities. More so, that the human capital accumulation is crucial to development in the countries of origin as illustrated by the increasing trend in the amounts of remittances. Remittances were invested in household consumption, education, entrepreneurship, and health; however, it is underscored that the impact of remittances is dependent on time dimension as it takes time for some impacts to be realized. To that end, longitudinal surveys would provide a more plausible follow-up of remittances utilization across time and places of origin. More so, human mobility and remittances are critical variables for wealth creation, economic growth and development.

Key words: Emigration; Remittances; Remittances Utilization; Development.