Tue Jul 28, 2015/Reuters

Kenyans living abroad sent $754 million back home in remittances during the first half of this year, 9.2 percent higher than the same period last year, the central bank said on Tuesday.

Remittances are a leading source of foreign exchange along with exports like fresh flowers, tea and tourism.

During the month of June, remittances rose 17 percent to $136 million from the same month last year, the central bank said, attributing the gains to a jump in funds from North America, which accounted for 49.3 percent of the total.

The Kenyan shilling is down 11.5 percent against the dollar due to growth in imports and a slump caused by frequent attacks by Islamists from neighbouring Somalia.