- Gachagua said Angola, which heavily relies on food imports from other continents is an opportunity due to its proximity to Kenya.
- The Kenyans in Angola raised hurdles on visas and passport renewals, to which the DP said the government will try and address through the missions.
Image: DPPS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked Kenyans in Angola to take advantage of untapped business opportunities in the country.
Gachagua said Angola, which heavily relies on food imports from other countries offers the best business opportunities for Kenya due to its proximity.
He was speaking when he met Kenyans living in Angola on the sidelines of the 10th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States(OACPS) on Thursday.
“Food in this county is from Brazil. You must think outside the box. We should look into these potential business opportunities," he said.
Due to the flooded market of agricultural products in Kenya, farmers contend with poor prices and exploitation from brokers and middlemen.
In that regard, Gachagua said President William Ruto's administration will task foreign missions to look for business opportunities for Kenyans even as they market the country.
“At least 70 per cent of our diplomacy will be based on the commercial interests of the country. We will sign a memorandum of understanding (with ambassadors) for two years with expected deliverables," he said.
"The ambassadors will have to look for markets to increase our trade opportunities."
In the interactive session, Kenyans raised concerns over the termination of the Kenya Airways direct flights from Nairobi to Luanda a few years ago.
They said direct flights could help deliver agricultural products quickly.
Gachagua said he was aware of the challenge and the government is committed to opening the route to ensure ease of business.
In addition, the DP challenged Kenyans to invest at home, adding that the government is creating favourable conditions.
“Create wealth, invest at home. We have created a full department of the diaspora in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attend to and coordinate investments," he said.
"We are considering sending a trade attache to each mission for this purpose and to also coordinate with us back home."
On the other hand, he said the government expects embassies to protect Kenyans against exploitation when they are in a foreign land.
He said Kenyans working in foreign countries must be protected against all forms of exploitation.
Kenyans in Angola also raised the challenges on visas and passport renewals, which the DP said the government will try and address through the missions.
He said the government will work with farmers to ensure value addition is done for all finished products while streamlining the market for the Kenyan brand to stand out.