First Lady Rachel Ruto has called on Kenyans living abroad to leverage their expertise, experience, and networks to support Kenya’s development. During her visit to China, she met with Kenyan women professionals residing and working in Beijing and highlighted the critical role of the Kenyan diaspora in nation-building. Her visit to China comes as she accompanies President William Ruto, who is attending the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit.
In her address, Rachel Ruto described Kenyans abroad as goodwill ambassadors who act as vital links between the country and the rest of the world. She emphasized the importance of the diaspora community in driving innovation and transferring skills, knowledge, and technology back to Kenya. “The Kenyans in the diaspora are our goodwill ambassadors and a link between Kenya and the world. They play a critical role in transferring skills, knowledge, and technology back to Kenya. They are drivers of innovation, introducing new ideas and practices that contribute to our nation’s growth and transformation,” she shared on her X account on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
Rachel Ruto further encouraged the diaspora community to support nation-building by investing in Kenya, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and connecting them with opportunities in China. She stressed that the diaspora’s engagement is vital for Kenya’s socio-economic progress, particularly in areas where local expertise may be limited. “I encouraged them to use their expertise, experience, and networks to support our nation-building efforts through investing in Kenya, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or connecting Kenyans to opportunities here in China,” Rachel added.
The First Lady’s remarks underscore the growing recognition of the diaspora’s potential as a critical driver of Kenya’s development. The Kenyan government has been increasingly reaching out to its citizens abroad, encouraging them to invest in the country and participate in initiatives that foster economic growth and social transformation. The diaspora community, estimated at over three million, plays a significant role in the Kenyan economy through remittances, which are among the largest sources of foreign exchange for the country. In recent years, remittances have surpassed other traditional sources of foreign income such as tea, coffee, and horticulture, demonstrating the diaspora’s economic significance.
Rachel Ruto’s call to action comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to harness the skills and expertise of its citizens abroad to drive innovation and enhance competitiveness in a rapidly changing global landscape. By engaging the diaspora, Kenya aims to bridge gaps in critical sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The diaspora’s ability to introduce new ideas, technologies, and business practices is seen as a valuable asset that can help the country address its development challenges and achieve its Vision 2030 goals.
Her visit to China also coincides with the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, which is focused on shaping the strategic partnership between China and Africa in the post-COVID era, amid rising geopolitical tensions. The summit’s key topics include climate and energy, with a focus on sustainable development, as well as digital and technology cooperation to help bridge Africa’s digital divide. As Kenya continues to strengthen its ties with China, the diaspora’s involvement in fostering partnerships and collaborations between the two nations becomes even more crucial.
The FOCAC summit provides a platform for African countries to engage with China on various development initiatives, and the presence of Kenyan leaders at the summit highlights the country’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with China. As First Lady Rachel Ruto urges the diaspora to take an active role in nation-building, her message reflects a broader vision of leveraging all available resources, including the skills and networks of Kenyans abroad, to propel the country towards a prosperous future.
Rachel Ruto’s appeal to the diaspora is a reminder of the potential that lies within the global Kenyan community. By channeling their expertise, experience, and networks towards national development, Kenyans abroad can make significant contributions to the country’s growth and transformation, ensuring that Kenya remains competitive in the global arena.
