Ruto Pledges to Address the Plight of Kenyans in the Diaspora if Elected President

Deputy President William Ruto has pledged to put in place proper structures to address the concerns of Kenyans in the diaspora if elected president in August.

Ruto, who spoke at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Maryland on Friday, said his administration would introduce specific packages to meet the needs of Kenyans living and working abroad. The deputy president specifically outlined the roll-out of a universal health coverage program to cater for their relatives back home.

“Many of you send money to Kenya to look after your folks’ medical needs. We believe that we will achieve that better if every citizen is on universal health insurance. I am so aware on the kind of engagement that is required for us to tap into the huge resource that is in the diaspora,” said Ruto, who urged Kenyans in the US to back his presidential bid.

He also promised to introduce provisions that will make it easier for Kenyans abroad to invest in areas like housing and infrastructure without anyone taking advantage of them.

“As part of the Kenya Kwanza economic plan, you will be able to buy a house without the vagaries of you relatives taking advantage of you in a much more organized way and in a manner cheaper for you,” he said.

 “We will make specific packages available for you so that you can play your role and your contributions to the economy can also be meaningful.”

Ruto, who is seeking to succeed President Kenyatta later this year, is currently on a 10-day of the US and the UK. He arrived in the US on Sunday in the company of several leaders among them ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi, and Governors Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Josphat Nanok (Turkana), and Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga).