Valentine's Day Is Here! Kenyans In UK Named Country's 'Most Generous Long Distance Lovers'

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, new report has revealed the most romantic Kenyans living in the diaspora! 

New data released by money transfer service WorldRemit show that Kenyans living in the United Kingdom are the most romantic and most generous long distance lovers, sending home on average $26 (Sh2,600) more than usual to their loved ones on Valentine’s Day, thus, being ranked as Kenya's "most generous long distance lovers".

Following closely behind are Kenyans who have migrated and are currently living in; Australia and New Zealand.

Remittances play an important role in the economy of Kenya. According to official WorldBank data, Kenyans abroad sent over $1.5 billion (Sh100 billion) back home to friends and family in 2015.

Alix Murphy, Director of Mobile Partnerships at WorldRemit, said: 

“Looking at this year’s data we can see that Kenyans in the UK, Australia and New Zealand are planning ahead and sending more money to their loved ones in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. On average, these groups sent $8 (Sh800) to $26 (Sh2,600) more for Valentine’s Day compared to the next week to mark the occasion.” 

The WorldRemit app lets people send money straight from their smartphone, instead of having to travel to a money transfer agent. Those receiving money– often in developing countries - can collect the funds as Mobile Money, bank transfer, for cash pickup or as a mobile airtime top-up.

WorldRemit’s service is available to senders in 50 countries. It offers transfers to more than 140 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. WorldRemit customers send 580,000 transfers every month.