Friday, May 29, 2026(NAIROBI)___President William Samoei Ruto, PhD, on Friday hosted Kenyan diaspora representatives from 40 countries at State House Nairobi in an engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between the government and Kenyans living and working abroad.
The meeting, which was also attended by Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, underscored the Government’s commitment to structured and sustained diaspora engagement as a key pillar of national development.
President Ruto commended the Kenyan diaspora for being excellent ambassadors of the country, describing them as one of Kenya’s most strategic national assets.
He noted that their contribution through remittances, investments, innovation, skills transfer, philanthropy and global influence continues to play a major role in the country’s socio-economic transformation.
The Head of State further observed that the Government has made it easier for Kenyans abroad to engage with services back home through digitization and targeted diaspora programmes, improved service delivery, and expanded investment opportunities. Specifically, he cited the Affordable Housing Programme through the Boma Yangu platform and access to government securities through the DhowCSD platform.
He added that the Government is also enabling Kenyans abroad to support their families by paying for medical insurance through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
President Ruto further urged Kenyans living abroad to remain united, patriotic and actively engaged in shaping a stronger, more inclusive and globally competitive Kenya. He emphasized that the diaspora plays a critical role in key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, health, renewable energy, tourism and the creative economy — all anchored under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the Government has also established mechanisms such as the Diaspora Investment Support Office (DISO) and the Diaspora Placement Agency (DPA) to facilitate diaspora investments, skills transfer and overseas employment opportunities for Kenyan professionals and youth.
On her part, PS Njogu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to deepening engagement with Kenyans abroad and ensuring that the diaspora remains fully integrated into Kenya’s development agenda.
The PS emphasized the State Department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen diaspora welfare, improve service delivery, promote structured engagement platforms, and create enabling frameworks for diaspora investment, innovation and skills transfer.
The Principal Secretary was accompanied by the top leadership of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs including Amb. Hellen Gichuhi, Secretary for Diaspora Welfare and Partnerships and Amb. Isaiya Kabira, Secretary for Diaspora Investment, Skills and Entrepreneurship.