PS ROSELINE NJOGU WELCOMES INCREASE IN DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCE FOR DIASPORA KENYANS

The Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Roseline Njogu, CBS, has welcomed the Government’s decision to increase the duty-free allowance for returning travellers from KSh39,000 to KSh260,000, terming it a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between Kenya and its diaspora community.

The new provision, contained in the Finance Act, 2026, and assented to by President William Ruto on Tuesday, is expected to ease the burden on Kenyans living and working abroad by allowing them to bring home more personal effects and gifts without attracting customs duty.

Speaking after the President signed the Bill into law, PS Njogu described the move as a practical response to concerns that have consistently been raised by members of the diaspora regarding the low duty-free threshold that had remained in place for years.

According to the PS, the six-fold increase demonstrates the Government’s commitment to recognizing and supporting the invaluable contribution that Kenyans abroad continue to make to the country’s economy and social development.

“This is a major win for our diaspora community. For many years, Kenyans living abroad have expressed concerns about the limitations imposed by the previous duty-free allowance. The increase to KSh260,000 acknowledges their contribution and makes it easier for them to return home with gifts and personal belongings without unnecessary financial strain,” she said.

Hon. Njogu noted that the Government has in recent years placed diaspora affairs at the centre of national development, recognizing Kenyans abroad as a critical pillar of economic growth through remittances, investments, skills transfer, and international networks.

She observed that the latest policy intervention aligns with ongoing efforts by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs to make engagement with the diaspora more meaningful, responsive, and beneficial.

The PS further praised President Ruto for listening to the concerns of Kenyans abroad and translating them into concrete policy action. She said the enhanced allowance would not only benefit individual travellers but also strengthen the emotional and economic ties that connect the diaspora to their homeland.

The announcement comes at a time when diaspora remittances continue to play a vital role in Kenya’s economy, supporting families, creating jobs, financing investments, and contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

Stakeholders within the diaspora community have also welcomed the move, describing it as one of the most impactful measures introduced in recent years to improve the travel experience and ease the cost of returning home.

Hon. Njogu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing policies that promote the welfare, interests, and aspirations of Kenyans living abroad, while ensuring that the diaspora remains an integral partner in the country’s transformation agenda.

The increase in the duty-free allowance is expected to encourage greater engagement between Kenya and its global community, while reinforcing the Government’s recognition of the diaspora as Kenya’s 48th county and a key driver of national development.

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