President Ruto Hails Kenyan Diaspora as Nation’s Key Economic Driver
By Kass Digital,
President William Ruto has lauded the Kenyan diaspora for its immense contribution to the country’s economic development.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Monday during a meeting with representatives of Kenyans living in 27 countries across the world, President Ruto said that the remittances from Kenyans in diaspora are bigger than tea, tourism, or coffee.
According to President Ruto, diaspora remittances hit a historic high in 2024, reaching $4.95 billion (approximately KSh638 billion), up from $4 billion (KSh516 billion) in 2022.
The President also highlighted the strides made under the Labour Mobility Programme, which has facilitated overseas employment for nearly 400,000 Kenyans over the past two years.
“We know who they are, where they are, the work they do, and how much they earn,” he noted, emphasizing the government’s enhanced ability to support Kenyan workers abroad.
To streamline international job placement, the government has deregistered over 1,000 recruitment agencies found to be defrauding job seekers, Ruto said. He also noted improvements in passport processing, with applicants securing travel documents in less than a week.
Beyond the financial impact, the President urged Kenyans abroad to serve as ambassadors for the country. He reassured the diaspora community that the government is working to strengthen ties and provide meaningful support through new instruments of engagement.
