NEW YORK, US — President William Ruto has witnessed the signing of a joint declaration between the Kenyan Government, the United Nations and Equity Group Holdings aimed at unlocking investment, skills and development opportunities for Kenyans living abroad.
The declaration was signed during Ruto’s engagement with Kenyans in the United States at 30 Hudson Yards in New York, where the Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform (KDIP) was also unveiled.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi signed on behalf of the Government, while Equity Group Holdings CEO James Mwangi represented the private sector, and UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Garry Conille signed on behalf of the diaspora side.
New Platform Targets Diaspora Investment
The Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform has been established to strengthen ties between Kenyans abroad and opportunities in the country.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, is intended to provide a structured avenue for diaspora investment, partnerships and participation in national development.
The platform is expected to connect Kenyans abroad with opportunities in areas including housing, healthcare, agriculture, MSMEs and community projects.
The Government had announced ahead of the New York meeting that KDIP would be launched as part of efforts to deepen engagement with Kenyans in the diaspora.
Ruto: Diaspora More Than Remittances
Ruto described Kenyans living abroad as an important part of the country’s economic story, saying their contribution extends beyond the money they send home.
He said the diaspora also provides investment capital, expertise, innovation and international networks that can contribute to Kenya’s development.
“Trust must be at the centre for this initiative to succeed.”
The President said reliable information and transparency would be critical if the platform is to gain the confidence of Kenyans abroad.
He said the Government wanted to make it easier for diaspora investors to identify opportunities in Kenya and convert their assets and enterprises into long-term wealth.
Housing, Health and Agriculture Among Opportunities
Ruto said Kenyans abroad could participate in investment opportunities across several sectors, including housing, health and agriculture.
He also said diaspora professionals could contribute their skills and expertise to businesses and development projects in Kenya.
The initiative is intended to facilitate participation in community projects, financing for MSMEs, enterprise development and knowledge transfer.
Government officials including Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga and SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi also briefed the diaspora on investment opportunities linked to their respective sectors.
Ruto Defends G-to-G Fuel Import Model
During the meeting, Ruto also defended Kenya’s Government-to-Government fuel importation arrangement, rejecting criticism that the system has created expensive middlemen.
The President said the model had helped stabilise fuel supplies and reduce pressure on foreign-exchange availability.
He argued that the arrangement had eliminated brokers who previously operated in the fuel importation chain and said Kenya’s system had attracted interest from other countries.
Ruto challenged critics of the model to familiarise themselves with how it operates rather than, in his words, misleading Kenyans.
President Highlights Government Record
Ruto also used the meeting to outline what he described as achievements of his administration, urging Kenyans abroad not to rely solely on social media for information about developments in the country.
He cited reforms in agriculture, education, housing, healthcare, savings, digital infrastructure and roads.
On national savings, Ruto said funds held by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) had increased from about Sh320 billion in 2023 to Sh690 billion, and projected that savings would reach Sh1 trillion by June 2027.
He attributed the increase partly to higher NSSF contribution rates introduced by his administration.
Ruto Defends SHA Registration
The President also defended the Social Health Authority (SHA) against criticism, claiming that the new system had registered about 33 million Kenyans since October 2024, compared with six to seven million registered members under the former National Health Insurance Fund.
Ruto said the figures demonstrated what he described as a transformation in healthcare delivery.
He also pointed to the digital economy, affordable housing and the Kazi Majuu programme as areas that he said had created employment opportunities for young Kenyans.
Leaders Attend New York Diaspora Meeting
The New York engagement brought together senior Kenyan Government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi, Alice Wahome, Hassan Joho, Deborah Mulongo and Lee Kinyanjui.
The meeting formed part of Ruto’s visit to the United States for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where Kenya is participating in high-level discussions on issues including debt, climate finance, digital governance and global institutional reform.
