Ruto lauds Kenyans in Diaspora for role in country's economic growth

President William Ruto has commended Kenyans living abroad for their contribution towards the growth of the country’s economy.

Ruto said his administration recognises the importance of its citizens living abroad and appreciates the close bonds they maintain with their motherland.

He spoke on Wednesday during the opening of the Diaspora Investment Conference held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.

He added that his administration also appreciates and commends the Kenyan diaspora for its role in decolonizing, democratising and globalising Kenya’s economy.

The president noted that the government will continue engaging the diaspora, to provide systems and structures to protect their rights and welfare.

Ruto assured Kenyans living abroad of their security in host countries, a move that he said will have them actively involved in socio-economic development back home.

"As a government, the security and safety of all citizens is our foremost commitment and most fundamental obligation, without which every other endeavour, including investment, is not possible," he said.

He further stated that their contribution will be mainstreamed to nation-building in all sectors of the economy. 

He emphasized the need for collaboration to build a nation that thrives on the collective efforts of its people, both at home and abroad.

"As a country, we are entering the phase of economic transformation where opportunities abound in every sector, and we encourage you to seize your chance and reap a rich yield," he said.

Ruto talked about digitisation of services to help serve Kenyans from all walks of life and across the world access them, without having to travel to specific areas.

"During my first engagement with the Diaspora in December 2022, I committed to decentralize, automate and digitise as many government services as we can, so that the Diaspora can access them online and do not have to spend hours or even whole days travelling to get consular services," he said.

"I can confirm that we have expanded the digital provision of public services to encompass 14,000 services, and it is our commitment to ensure full digitisation, which has not only enhanced efficiency and integrity in the provision of government services but also improved revenue collection."

In the diaspora, Ruto said his administration has rolled out a fully operational Mobile Consular Service exercise that has covered 22 countries and served over 9,000 Kenyans abroad.

Ruto said they have also developed the Global Labour Market Strategy that will facilitate Kenyans, especially the youth, to find work abroad.

"Our objective in implementing all these measures is to create safe migration pathways; a friendly environment to work in the Diaspora; and seamless networks that facilitate, promote and support diaspora investment back home in Kenya," the President said.