Kenya Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Kenya's net migration was -27,330 in 2025, ranked 37th globally. This represents a 38.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Kenya's net migration stood at -27,330 in 2025, a decline of +7,549 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -11,734 by 2026. Kenya ranked 37th globally.
Kenya’s net migration balance has shifted from a modest inflow of 2,134.00 in 1960 to a pronounced outflow of –27,330.00 in 2025, placing the country 37th globally among 195 economies. The most pronounced surplus occurred in 2001 when 55,052.00 more people entered than left, reflecting a period of relative economic optimism and regional stability. By contrast, the all‑time trough of –115,436.00 in 2018 signalled a sharp reversal, driven by a combination of limited domestic job creation, rising living costs, and heightened competition for opportunities abroad. Kenya’s current outflow closely mirrors that of Algeria (–27,531.00) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (–27,309.00), underscoring a regional pattern of net emigration among lower‑middle‑income nations. Over the 66‑year series, the persistent decline suggests structural push factors outweigh pull factors, yet future improvements in infrastructure, education, and inclusive growth could moderate the outflow and potentially restore a modest positive balance.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -3,601 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -7,667 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -11,734 | - | - |
| 2025 | -27,330 | −7,549 | #37 |
| 2024 | -19,781 | −9,778 | #45 |
| 2023 | -10,003 | +0 | #50 |
| 2022 | -10,003 | +42,549 | #47 |
| 2021 | -52,552 | −35,441 | #17 |
| 2020 | -17,111 | +44,838 | #35 |
| 2019 | -61,949 | +53,487 | #16 |
| 2018 | -115,436 | −46,734 | #13 |
| 2017 | -68,702 | −38,974 | #19 |
| 2016 | -29,728 | +66,249 | #35 |
| 2015 | -95,977 | −23,562 | #17 |
| 2014 | -72,415 | −14,781 | #18 |
| 2013 | -57,634 | −14,706 | #22 |
| 2012 | -42,928 | +1,867 | #32 |
| 2011 | -44,795 | −23,726 | #29 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's net migration was -27,330 in 2025. Ranked 37th globally. This represents a 38.2% decrease from the previous year.
Kenya's net migration peaked at 55,052 in 2001.
The lowest net migration in Kenya was -115,436 in 2018.
Kenya ranks 37th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's net migration is projected to reach -11,734 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Kenya in 2025 was -27,330. This ranks 37th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_net-migration,
title = {Kenya Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}