Maraga Woos Diaspora With Promise of Affordable Capital and Economic Growth

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has pledged to prioritise entrepreneurship, access to affordable capital and public accountability if elected president in 2027.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with Kenyans in Houston, Texas, on Sunday, Maraga said Kenya needs an economic environment that enables entrepreneurs to start, expand and sustain businesses. He said stronger institutions would also be necessary to support investment, create jobs and promote economic growth.

Maraga praised Kenyans living abroad for their contribution to the economy, both through remittances and investments. He said diaspora funds support families and businesses while also contributing to productive sectors of the economy.

He cited Houston-based entrepreneurs Nellie and Dennis Chege as an example of the potential of Kenyan businesses. Their assisted-living enterprise grew from a small operation serving a few residents into a larger business running several facilities and employing dozens of workers.

Maraga said their experience showed what entrepreneurs can achieve when they have access to financing and an environment that supports business growth. He argued that many young Kenyans have the skills and determination to build successful enterprises but face challenges securing affordable capital and dealing with bureaucratic processes.

He pledged to address these challenges through policies aimed at improving access to finance and creating systems that allow businesses to expand and generate employment. The former Chief Justice also placed institutional reform and accountability at the centre of his political message. He promised to protect public resources, strengthen accountability and end what he described as patronage and the misuse of state resources.

Maraga referred to his experience leading the Judiciary as evidence of his ability to build and manage institutions. He said his record demonstrated the importance of effective systems in delivering public services and achieving results.

His engagement with the Houston community also highlighted the growing importance of the diaspora in Kenya's political and economic affairs. Kenyans abroad send significant amounts of money home, supporting households, purchasing property and investing in businesses.

Diaspora communities are also becoming an increasingly important constituency for politicians preparing for the 2027 presidential election. Maraga's outreach in Houston allowed him to engage potential supporters while presenting an economic agenda focused on entrepreneurship, investment and stronger public institutions.

He thanked members of the Houston community for what he described as lively and productive discussions, indicating that engagement with Kenyans abroad will remain part of his efforts to build support ahead of the 2027 General Election.