Tuesday, March 31, 2026(NAIROBI, Kenya) – "Let us harness the potential of the diaspora," said Deputy President, H.E Prof. Kithure Kindiki, positioning Kenya's global communities as a powerhouse of national capacity and a cornerstone of the country's prosperity.
Speaking at the official closing ceremony of the 19th Ambassadors' Conference in Nairobi, the Deputy President, accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, underscored that the Kenyan diaspora is a driving force for Kenya's development whose immense potential must be fully harnessed.
"The Kenyan diaspora represents a strategic extension of our national capacity, and the protection, dignity, and empowerment of Kenyans overseas is not optional. It is a core obligation," DP Kindiki affirmed.
He added that the Government recognizes the centrality of Kenyans abroad, urging diplomats to prioritize their welfare, economic contributions, and role in amplifying Kenya's voice on the world stage.
Kenya’s diplomacy, he said, must deliver economic opportunities, security, stability, and influence in shaping global outcomes, with a sharp alignment to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
"Our diplomatic engagement must be projected beyond our borders through trade, investment partnerships, innovation, and positioning Kenya as a competitive and credible economic partner," the DP emphasized.
Celebrating Kenya's strengths as a stable democracy in a complex region, a leader in renewable energy and climate action, and a hub for diplomacy, logistics, and finance, DP Kindiki called on envoys to convert these assets—bolstered by the dynamic, entrepreneurial diaspora—into measurable national gains.
The four-day event, themed "Advancing Kenya's Interests in a Rapidly Evolving Geopolitical Landscape," also reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to regional stability.
In his remarks while closing the conference, DP Kindiki reiterated President William Ruto’s call where he urged Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Permanent Representatives to execute their mandates with focus, discipline, and unwavering commitment to Kenya’s interests—starting with empowering the diaspora.
The ceremony was attended by Secretary to the Cabinet, Ms. Mercy Wanjau, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing'oei, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roseline K. Njogu and senior ministry officials.