By Andrew Kariuki

The Central Bank of Kenya has reported a stable performance of the Kenya shilling alongside increased remittance inflows and steady financial market activity in its latest weekly bulletin released on April 17, 2026.

According to the report, the Kenya shilling remained largely stable against major global and regional currencies during the week ending April 16, exchanging at Ksh129.18 per US dollar compared to Ksh129.53 the previous week.

Foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 13.3 billion, equivalent to 5.6 months of import cover, remaining above the statutory minimum requirement of four months.

Remittance inflows rose to USD 450.3 million in March 2026 from USD 412.7 million in February, marking a 9.1% increase. On a 12-month cumulative basis, inflows reached USD 5.08 billion, reinforcing their role as a key source of foreign exchange.

In the money market, liquidity remained adequate, supported by active open market operations. Commercial banks maintained excess reserves averaging Ksh12.8 billion above the required cash reserve ratio, while the interbank rate edged up slightly to 8.76%.

Government securities trading recorded mixed performance. Treasury bill subscriptions stood at Ksh14 billion against an advertised Ksh24 billion, representing a 58.3% performance rate, while Treasury bond auctions were oversubscribed, attracting Ksh38.3 billion against a Ksh20 billion offer.

At the Nairobi Securities Exchange, equity market indicators posted gains, with the NASI, NSE 25 and NSE 20 indices rising by 0.85%, 0.89% and 1.11% respectively. Market activity also improved, with total shares traded increasing by 59.36% and equity turnover rising by 28.45%.

The bond market also strengthened, with turnover in the domestic secondary market increasing by 48.34%, while yields on Kenya’s Eurobonds declined slightly in the international market.

Globally, inflation pressures remained elevated despite easing geopolitical tensions following a ceasefire involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Rising energy costs and increased service prices continued to drive inflation in major economies, even as the US dollar index weakened by 0.6%.

International oil prices remained high, with Murban crude trading at USD 89.61 per barrel during the review period, reflecting ongoing supply constraints in global shipping routes.

The Central Bank’s weekly bulletin points to continued currency stability, strong remittance inflows and resilient market performance amid prevailing global economic pressures.