Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced Kenya’s ambitious target to increase diaspora remittances to Ksh1 trillion by 2027. Speaking during the Western Edition of the Kazi Majuu Job Fair in Vihiga County, Mudavadi highlighted the significant role that Kenyans working abroad play in the country’s economy.
In his address, Mudavadi emphasized that diaspora remittances surpassed traditional foreign income sources like tea and coffee, underlining their importance as a major economic driver. “Last year, Kenyans working abroad sent home Sh671 billion. This figure far exceeds the combined earnings from our traditional exports, marking remittances as a new economic pillar for Kenya,” Mudavadi said.
The government’s strategy to reach the Ksh1 trillion goal involves expanding job opportunities for Kenyans abroad. Mudavadi noted that increased employment for Kenyans in international markets would directly contribute to higher remittances. “We are working to increase the number of Kenyans securing jobs overseas through various government interventions and bilateral agreements,” he stated.
Mudavadi, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, pointed out the growing global demand for Kenyan workers due to their strong work ethic and language skills. He cited examples such as Kenyan employees working remotely for international call centers like Delta Airlines and earning substantial salaries. “Kenyans working on cruises, for instance, earn between Sh250,000 and Sh400,000. This is a significant amount that contributes to our remittances,” Mudavadi explained.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary highlighted the critical need for Kenyan youth abroad to maintain discipline and adhere to the laws of their host countries. He cautioned that any deviation from these standards could harm Kenya’s international reputation and jeopardize employment opportunities. “Our youth must respect the laws of the countries they work in and avoid behaviors that could damage Kenya’s reputation,” Mudavadi advised. He stressed that Kenya’s open society and presence of global media giants like BBC and Al Jazeera in Nairobi should be seen as a testament to the country’s positive international standing.
Mudavadi also discussed the government’s efforts to bolster job creation within Kenya. He revealed that Israel has shown interest in investing in Kenya’s agricultural sector, particularly in response to global food security challenges exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Israeli investors are eager to invest in large-scale farming in Kenya. This partnership is crucial in addressing food production issues and is supported by both governments,” Mudavadi noted.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable and secure environment for investment, Mudavadi urged for a unified approach to foster economic growth. “Capital is inherently cautious and flees from instability. We must ensure that Kenya remains a secure and attractive destination for investment,” he said.
Mudavadi also addressed the situation of Kenyans working in Lebanon amidst the ongoing regional conflict. With approximately 26,000 Kenyans employed in the country, he expressed concern for their safety and welfare. “Our priority is the safety of Kenyans abroad. We hope for a return to normalcy in the Middle East to ensure that our citizens can continue contributing to diaspora remittances,” Mudavadi concluded.
Through these initiatives and strategic partnerships, the Kenyan government aims to not only increase diaspora remittances but also enhance the overall economic stability and growth of the nation.
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