President William Ruto has commended the Kenyan Diaspora for its growing contribution to national development, noting that remittances from Kenyans abroad have reached an all-time high of $10.8 billion.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of the Kenyan Diaspora from 27 countries at State House, Nairobi, the President underscored the need to harness diaspora skills and resources through structured policy initiatives.
Ruto noted that remittances from the diaspora have grown significantly over the past two years, from $4 billion (Ksh516 billion) to $4.95 billion (Ksh638 billion) in 2023.
“We particularly recognise remittances from the diaspora and the role they play in family and community support, investment and in boosting our foreign reserves that currently amount to $10.8 billion, the highest ever,” said Ruto.
“In the past two years, the remittances have grown from $4 billion (KSh516 billion) to $4.95 billion (KSh638 billion) last year,” he added.
The Head of State disclosed that 393,000 Kenyans have secured jobs abroad in the past 16 months as part of the government’s effort to expand employment opportunities and tap into the country’s skilled workforce.
“Human capital is the jewel of our nation. That is why I decided from the beginning that we must sharpen our human capital through education and training,” he stated.
Ruto called upon Kenyans abroad to be brand ambassadors for the country and support its development agenda.
“A nation is not built by the government alone. Speak well of your country. There are people who go out there and talk as if they have another nation. This is our home, God placed us here deliberately. We are not here by accident, let all of us make a contribution towards making Kenya better,” the President urged.
