NAIROBI, Kenya- DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua says Kenyans he met in Dallas, Texas, are keen to invest back home but fear getting caught up in bribery and opaque approval processes.
Gachagua, who has been in the United States for several weeks meeting Kenyans abroad, said the concern came up during his latest engagement in Dallas.
Some potential investors, he said, worry that they cannot get projects approved without dealing with corrupt officials.
“Kenyans living in Dallas, Texas, have shared with me their desire to invest in Kenya,” he said.
“Yet persistent reports of embezzlement and bribery have left them hesitant to navigate a system in which they fear approvals may depend on engaging corrupt officials.”
He argued that corruption and the mismanagement of public resources were costing Kenya investment and the jobs it could create.
With the 2027 election approaching, the former Deputy President promised that an administration led by his side would tackle bribery and make it easier to do business.
“My message to the diaspora is clear: within the next 317 days, the new administration will take decisive steps to confront bribery, strengthen accountability, and end the mismanagement of public resources,” he said.
Gachagua has used his US tour to meet Kenyans living in different states and discuss the country’s political and economic future.
His appeal for diaspora investment comes against the backdrop of substantial financial ties between Kenyans abroad and their families at home.
Central Bank figures show they sent more than $5 billion through formal channels in 2025.
