President William Ruto has commended the Kenyan diaspora for its growing contribution to the country’s development, highlighting a record-breaking KSh638 billion in remittances received in 2023. Speaking during a meeting with representatives from 27 countries at State House, Nairobi, the President described the diaspora as a vital pillar in Kenya’s economic and social advancement.
According to Ruto, remittances have surged over the past two years, rising from $4 billion (KSh516 billion) to $4.95 billion (KSh638 billion) last year. He emphasized the critical role of these funds in supporting families, driving investments, and bolstering Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves, which now stand at an all-time high of $10.8 billion.
“We particularly recognise remittances from the diaspora and the role they play in family and community support, investment, and in boosting our foreign reserves,” he said.
The Head of State also noted the government’s active engagement in expanding employment opportunities abroad, revealing that 393,000 Kenyans have secured jobs overseas in the last 16 months. This move, he said, is part of a broader strategy to harness the country’s skilled human capital and position Kenyans for global competitiveness.
“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,” Ruto stated.
The President called on Kenyans living abroad to be patriotic and serve as ambassadors for the country. He encouraged them to speak positively about Kenya and support its development agenda from wherever they are.
“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,” he said.
Ruto further hinted at structured policy initiatives aimed at integrating diaspora skills and resources into national development frameworks, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth driven by all Kenyans, regardless of where they live.
