NAIROBI, Kenya- Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to give Kenyans living abroad a greater role in rebuilding and developing the country if a new government takes power after the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua made the remarks during an engagement with Kenyans living in Spokane, Washington State, where he discussed investor confidence, partnerships and the contribution of the Kenyan diaspora to the country’s development.
The former deputy president said many Kenyans abroad were increasingly concerned about what he described as rising lawlessness, unconstitutional practices, conflicts of interest and economic sabotage in Kenya.
“Many Kenyans abroad are disappointed by the setbacks our country has faced—rising lawlessness, unconstitutional practices, conflicts of interest, and economic sabotage,” Gachagua said.
He also highlighted the financial contribution of Kenyans living abroad, arguing that their remittances have become an important pillar of the Kenyan economy.
Diaspora remittances have overtaken traditional foreign-exchange earners such as tea and coffee.
Gachagua, however, questioned whether the resources sent home by Kenyans abroad were being put to effective use.
“Despite their hard work and the significant remittances they send home, there is little visible impact in how these resources are utilized back in Kenya,” he said.
Diaspora expertise
Gachagua said his proposed government would seek to tap into the skills, knowledge and technology of Kenyans living outside the country.
He said that, once a new government is formed, the diaspora would be invited to play a central role in national development.
“We will call upon the expertise of the Kenyan diaspora to help rebuild and develop our nation,” he said.
He further promised that the approach would extend beyond the United States to Kenyans living in different parts of the world.
“My promise is that, beyond the United States, Kenyans worldwide will unite with the new government in leveraging technology, sharing knowledge, and working collaboratively,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader’s comments came during his ongoing US tour, which has included engagements with Kenyan communities in Spokane and is scheduled to take him to Portland, Kansas, Dallas and Boston.
The tour is expected to run until October 9.
Gachagua has increasingly used the diaspora engagements to discuss Kenya’s economic and political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
His Spokane visit has also focused on the role of Kenyans abroad in investment and national development.
‘Make Kenya a place to thrive’
Gachagua said Kenya should create an environment where its brightest minds can find opportunities at home instead of being forced to seek better prospects abroad.
“Kenya’s brightest minds no longer need to leave in search of opportunities,” he said.
He added that his vision was to work with Kenyans both at home and abroad to build a country where citizens can find opportunities, prosper and confidently regard Kenya as home.
