"We will serve Kenyans in diaspora just as we do those in country"

President William Ruto has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to serving Kenyans living abroad with the same dedication and enthusiasm as those back home. Speaking in Beijing at a Presidential Diaspora Townhall meeting with Kenyans in China, the Head of State emphasized a whole-of-Government approach focused on engaging and leveraging the skills and expertise of the diaspora to advance Kenya’s development.

He highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts to establish robust structures and systems that protect the welfare and rights of Kenyans abroad, ensuring their active participation in national growth. The President noted that the diaspora community is not only Kenya’s ambassador overseas but also a vital component of the country’s transformational agenda. He underscored the essential role of Kenyans abroad in driving socio-economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing Kenya’s global competitiveness.

President Ruto encouraged the diaspora to take advantage of various investment opportunities available under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and housing. Updating attendees on developments in Kenya, he urged the Kenyan diaspora to contribute to the nation’s progress through investments and skills transfer.

Addressing the issue of unemployment and the need to harness global opportunities, the President lauded the country’s skilled and professional workforce, underscoring Kenya’s investments in education and training that have resulted in a capable, globally competitive labour force. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to job creation, both locally and through digital platforms, and highlighted the importance of promoting labour mobility as a key pillar of economic empowerment.

At the same forum, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi commended President Ruto’s visionary leadership and the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, describing it as a crucial step in bolstering Kenya’s global engagement and enhancing support for citizens abroad.