A growing number of Kenyans are giving birth outside the country, with new data showing a sharp increase in births recorded abroad in 2024. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), 5,694 Kenyan children were born overseas last year a 15 percent rise from the year before.
Most of these births happened in the United States and the United Kingdom, two countries that continue to attract thousands of Kenyan students and professionals each year.
KNBS attributes the increase to a steady outflow of Kenyans seeking better education and job opportunities abroad.
“This trend reflects the rising number of Kenyans living and working outside the country,” said a KNBS official in a statement shared with the press on Tuesday.
The bureau did not break down the exact figures by country, but experts say the US and UK remain the most common destinations for Kenyan migrants especially young families, students, and skilled workers.
Searching for Opportunity Abroad
For many Kenyans, relocating overseas is no longer just a dream it’s a plan. And that plan often includes starting families in their new countries.
Mary Achieng’, a nurse based in Birmingham, UK, moved in 2019 to pursue her master’s degree. She gave birth to her son last year.
“The cost of living is high, yes, but there are more systems in place here to support young mothers,” she told The New York Times.
Her experience is echoed by dozens of Kenyan parents now raising families abroad drawn by better healthcare, education, and job security.
Economic Drivers Behind the Shift
According to a 2023 report by the World Bank, remittances from Kenyans living abroad hit a record high, contributing significantly to the national economy. This financial boost has helped normalize migration, especially among middle-class families who see foreign education and employment as an investment.
But experts warn that this growing diaspora also presents challenges.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” said economist and policy analyst Peter Mwaura. “We gain in remittances, but we lose in human capital particularly young professionals.”
The Bigger Picture
While the number of births abroad is still relatively small compared to Kenya’s total birth rate, the upward trend is telling. It points to a deeper shift not just in where Kenyans live, but in how they envision the future for their children.
As the country continues to grapple with high youth unemployment and underfunded healthcare systems, more families may decide that the future lies elsewhere.
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