The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many Kenyans living and working abroad
to take on additional jobs in order to sustain the remittances they send back
home, according to a new survey conducted by global payments company
WorldRemit. The survey, which was conducted in October, found that nearly
half of Kenyans in the diaspora have taken on side hustles to support the
increased cost of living in their host countries.
In the United States, 72 percent of respondents said they have taken on
additional jobs, while in Australia, 41 percent said the same. In the United
Kingdom, 44 percent of Kenyans said they have had to find additional sources
of income. Of those who cited having a side hustle, 89 percent said they would
maintain it in the next 12 months.
The survey also found that many Kenyans in the diaspora have had to make
tough choices when it comes to sending money back home. 45 percent of
respondents said they have shifted to sending cash exclusively to immediate
family members, as opposed to friends and distant relatives.
“The inventive solutions, such as side hustles, point to the resilience of
migrants and their commitment to financially supporting loved ones
overseas,” said Ivan Kanyali, WorldRemit’s regional manager for East Africa.
“These findings demonstrate the grit of economic migrants in adapting to
wider financial stresses and the rising cost of living while still meeting the
needs of their families at home, and abroad.”
Diaspora remittances are Kenya’s largest source of foreign exchange, ahead of
horticulture and tourism earnings. The United States has remained the largest
source of remittances to Kenya, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the money
sent home every month.
Kenyans in Diaspora Take on Additional Jobs to Sustain Remittances During Pandemic
