WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has urged Kenyan diplomats in the United States to ramp up economic diplomacy and engage the diaspora more effectively to boost the country’s development prospects.
During a meeting with Kenya’s ambassador to the U.S., David Kerich, and embassy officials in Washington, Wetang’ula underscored the strategic significance of the U.S. capital in shaping Kenya’s global economic partnerships.
“Washington is not just another diplomatic post; it is the nerve center of global decision-making, home to the World Bank, IMF, and key trade influencers,” Wetang’ula said. “Effective engagement here means securing investments, trade deals, and other economic opportunities vital for Kenya’s growth.”
He urged diplomats to focus on maximizing benefits under trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides duty-free access to U.S. markets.
Wetang’ula lamented that Kenya has underperformed in leveraging AGOA, citing how Bangladesh, which lacks similar trade preferences, exports more apparel to the U.S. than the entire African continent.
“We must fully exploit AGOA, attract investors to our Export Processing Zones, and expand our value-added exports,” he said, emphasizing the need to push for the act’s renewal.
Reconnecting with the Kenyan Diaspora
Wetang’ula also stressed the need to engage second and third-generation Kenyans in the U.S., who he said are becoming increasingly disconnected from their heritage.
“The old model of diaspora engagement was centered on remittances, but we now have generations born here with little attachment to Kenya,” he noted. “We need to reconnect them, offer investment incentives, and encourage participation in national development.”
He called for the establishment of a comprehensive database of Kenyans living in the U.S., acknowledging past challenges due to concerns about immigration status.
“Whether they arrived legally or otherwise, they remain Kenyans, and we must find ways to integrate them into our national vision,” he said.
I engaged with fellow Kenyans at our mission in Washington, D.C., ahead of the United States’ Annual National Prayer Day. Our discussions centered on the role Kenyans in the diaspora play in nation-building through remittances and their unwavering support in advancing government…
Ambassador Kerich echoed Wetang’ula’s sentiments, noting that remittances from Kenyans in the U.S. reached $4.19 billion last year and continue to rise.
He highlighted the diaspora’s contribution to various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and education.
“Our diaspora is resilient and influential, and we must harness their potential beyond just remittances,” Kerich said.
He also called for more government support to improve consular services, which remain a challenge given the vastness of the U.S.
Kenya’s Domestic Progress and Regional Influence
Wetang’ula also used the forum to highlight Kenya’s domestic achievements under President William Ruto’s administration, citing progress in agriculture, education, and regional diplomacy.
“When President Ruto took office, fertilizer was Ksh 7,000 per bag. Today, it’s Ksh 2,500, ensuring food security and reducing dependence on imports,” he said. “We are no longer importing maize or sugar, and soon we will become an exporter of rice.”
On education, he noted the recruitment of 76,000 teachers over the past two years, calling it the biggest sectoral investment since independence.
Regionally, Wetang’ula emphasized Kenya’s role in fostering stability, from integrating Somalia into the East African Community to peace efforts in South Sudan.
“These milestones position Kenya as a key player in regional leadership, and we must ensure our voice is heard globally,” he said.
Backing Raila for AU Leadership
Wetang’ula rallied support for opposition leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship, emphasizing the need for diplomatic lobbying ahead of the February 14 election.
“We must ensure we reach the right ears, including American allies, to support his candidature,” he said.
Deputy Chief of Mission Christopher Kirigua outlined plans to double diaspora remittances by fostering stronger ties with second-generation Kenyans and streamlining investment procedures for U.S. investors.
“Our goal is to make Kenya a more attractive investment destination by simplifying legal frameworks and ensuring smooth engagement with potential investors,” Kirigua said.
