Direct Flights to Australia Back on Table as Kenya Drives Diaspora Investment Plan

Kenya is pushing to establish direct flights between Nairobi and Perth as part of a fresh effort to draw more investment from thousands of its citizens living in Australia.

The proposal, which has been presented to national carrier Kenya Airways, aims to enhance travel, trade, and business ties between the two nations. Australia currently ranks among the top sources of money sent back to Kenya, contributing Ksh62.6 billion in cash and non-cash transfers between June 2024 and May 2025. This figure represents 6.7 per cent of total inflows into the country.

Government official Isaiya Kabira renewed calls for the direct route during the Kenya-Australia: Faces of Connection photo exhibition at Shah Houses in Ngara, Nairobi. Kabira, who serves as the Secretary for Diaspora Investments, Skills and Entrepreneurship, noted that better air transport would boost tourism, commercial exchanges, and family travel.

The drive comes as the government works to redirect diaspora funds into productive economic sectors. Official estimates show that about 80 per cent of money sent home by Kenyans abroad goes toward daily household consumption, leaving only 20 per cent for savings and investment.

Annual earnings by the diaspora stand at about US$7 billion, according to state figures. While the Central Bank of Kenya reported record formal remittances of US$5.04 billion in 2025, up from US$4.95 billion in 2024, a joint study shows the real inflow is much higher.

The 2025 Remittances Household Survey, conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics alongside the CBK and Financial Sector Deepening Kenya, revealed that households received Ksh931.8 billion in the 12 months to May 2025. The data captured cash transfers, goods sent home, and informal channels not reflected in standard bank records.

To convert these money flows into capital for local businesses, infrastructure, and technology, the government launched the Kenya Diaspora Investment Strategy 2025-2030. The strategy outlines plans for diaspora bonds, pooled funds, digital platforms, and stronger legal protections to overcome issues such as trust deficits, limited options, and regulatory friction.

The exhibition in Nairobi, organized by the Australian High Commission, closed on Sunday after highlighting the personal and professional ties between both nations. It followed the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Australia in 2025, a milestone both countries are using to expand links in health, agriculture, mining, and security.

Australian Chargé d'Affaires Andrew Barnes told guests that government policies succeed when backed by personal connections. He said relationships between countries grow through individual friendships, shared ideas, and practical opportunities.

Among those featured at the event was Dr Florentius Koech, a neurosurgeon who trained in Melbourne before returning to open a specialized brain and spine hospital in Eldoret. The event also featured Australian-based Kenyan musician Elsy Wameyo, whose work reflects her upbringing in Adelaide and her Kenyan roots.