Kenya Diaspora remittances rose to another record high in 2013 after data from central  bank showed that inflows for the 11 months to end of November surpassed 2012’s record level.

Remittances, a leading source of foreign exchange for east Africa’s biggest economy alongside tea, horticulture and tourism, hit a total $1.18 billion in Jan-Nov of 2013, setting a new annual record high and will exceed the record $1.17 billion received in 2012.

Kenyan remittances rose 16 percent to $113.4 million in November compared with the same period in 2012, the central bank said.

The average remittance inflows in the 12 months to November was $107 million, Reuters quoted Central Bank of Kenya data.

Typically, Kenyans living abroad send money home to help their families and for investment in various sectors, including real estate.

North America and Europe are the main sources of the remittances to Kenya, accounting for two thirds of total remittances.