Saturday, September 5, 2026(MOMBASA)_Today, during the Mombasa International Show, Mr. Humphrey Okusimba, Acting Director of the Savings, Investments and Remittances Division at the State Department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA), in advancing the diaspora mashinani agenda, held a consultative meeting with representatives from the County Government of Kilifi County, led by Director, Mr. Mwatsuma Kiti.
Mr. Okusimba outlined the key challenges faced by Kenyans in the diaspora seeking to invest in Kenya, citing bureaucratic and administrative barriers as major constraints. He noted the growing interest among Kenyans abroad in tapping into investment opportunities at home and emphasized the need for a more coordinated approach to facilitate diaspora investments.
In response, Mr. Mwatsuma highlighted various investment opportunities available in Kilifi County, particularly in the food processing sector, given the county’s abundant production of milk, cassava, pineapple, and mango. He further outlined incentives being introduced by the County Government to support investors, including measures to enhance investor protection, provide waivers for eligible investments, and improve infrastructure to facilitate market access for processed products.
The two teams agreed to pursue further engagement aimed at promoting diaspora investment in Kilifi County, strengthening business linkages, and providing enhanced information and support to Kenyans in the diaspora. The engagement will also explore opportunities for training Kenyan youth in the county prior to departure on safe, ethical, and orderly labour mobility pathways, as well as skills development, transfer, and investment opportunities.
The meeting was also attended by Ms. Lucy Muraya, Head of the Diaspora Investment Support Office (DISO).