President Ruto Promises Enhanced Support for Kenyan Diaspora in Beijing Address

Kenyan President William Ruto yesterday addressed the Kenyan diaspora in Beijing, outlining new initiatives to integrate overseas citizens into the nation’s development agenda. 

During the Presidential Townhall, Ruto emphasised his administration’s commitment to providing equal support to Kenyans abroad as those within the country, spotlighting the diaspora’s critical role in advancing socio-economic progress. Ruto characterises Kenyans living abroad as vital catalysts for innovation and investment, underscoring the need for inclusive frameworks to protect their rights and welfare. 

He invites the diaspora to actively participate in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focusing on investments in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, housing, and education. Addressing employment and global labour mobility, President Ruto praises Kenya’s investments in education and vocational training, which have cultivated a skilled workforce competitive on the international stage. 

He affirms that labour mobility remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s strategy to empower citizens economically, reiterating the government’s focus on creating job opportunities both domestically and through innovative digital platforms. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has lauded President Ruto’s leadership, emphasising the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs as a critical step. 

This department is expected to enhance Kenya’s global engagement and improve services tailored to the needs of Kenyans living abroad. The Presidential Townhall served as a direct line of communication between President Ruto and the Kenyan diaspora, fostering collaboration and signalling a renewed government commitment to ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of location, play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future.