The Kenya-Australia: Faces of Connection exhibition highlights personal and professional ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Isaiya Kabira urged Kenyans abroad to invest more at home while continuing to support their families.
Kenya has called for greater diaspora investment at home as a Nairobi exhibition highlights its ties with Australia. Ambassador Isaiya Kabira urged citizens abroad to direct more of their earnings towards investments while supporting their families.
Kabira spoke at the opening of the Kenya-Australia: Faces of Connection photo exhibition at Shah Houses in Ngara. He serves as Secretary for Diaspora Investments, Skills and Entrepreneurship at the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
He put annual diaspora earnings at about $7 billion, describing them as a significant contribution to Kenya’s economy. However, he said consumption accounted for about 80 per cent of remittances, compared with 20 per cent for investment.
Diaspora investment and remittance flows
Central Bank of Kenya figures show formal diaspora remittances reached approximately $5.04 billion in 2025. That marked an increase from $4.95 billion in 2024.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Remittances Household Survey recorded Sh931.8 billion received by Kenyan households between June 2024 and May 2025. The survey also counted informal transfers and non-cash remittances, giving a broader measure than formal-channel figures.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, CBK and Financial Sector Deepening Kenya conducted the survey. Australia ranked behind the United States and Germany among major sources of remittances to Kenyan households.
Kabira also recognised Kenyans working in Australia’s health and disability support sectors, particularly under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. He said their work demonstrated opportunities for Kenyan professionals overseas.
Exhibition showcases Kenya-Australia connections
Organised by the Australian High Commission, the exhibition combines photographs and personal accounts under the theme People. Partnerships. Possibilities. It explores cooperation through education, business, culture and tourism.
Australian Chargé d’Affaires Andrew Barnes said personal relationships helped strengthen ties beyond formal diplomacy. He highlighted friendships, shared ideas and opportunities as important foundations for cooperation.
Among those featured is Dr Florentius Koech, who undertook specialist neurosurgery training in Melbourne. He later returned to Kenya and established a specialist brain and spine hospital in Eldoret.
The exhibition also features Kenyan-born musician Elsy Wameyo, who grew up in Adelaide. Her music career reflects her experiences in both countries.
Meanwhile, Kabira renewed his call for direct flights between Kenya and Australia, proposing a Nairobi-Perth route. He said it could shorten travel time and improve connectivity as trade, tourism and personal exchanges expand.
The former Kenyan High Commissioner to Australia said Kenya Airways had received the proposal over the years. He expressed hope that the airline would give it further consideration.
