DOHA, Qatar — President William Ruto has called on Kenyans living abroad to unite behind his administration’s economic transformation agenda, saying their contribution is vital in propelling Kenya into the ranks of developed nations.
Speaking during a meeting with Kenyans in Qatar on Tuesday evening, on the sidelines of the UN Second World Summit for Social Development, President Ruto said the diaspora community, which remitted $5 billion (Sh650 billion) to Kenya last year, remains a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth.
“It disturbs me that Kenya can be a great nation, but we are not moving,” he said.
“His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, told me that Kenyans are very good people who contribute to Qatar’s economy. But who says you, good people, cannot contribute to our economy? Let me persuade you that we can do so ourselves.”
The meeting was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, and Principal Secretaries from the Ministry of Labour and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
Ruto told the gathering that he had held discussions with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga, on his vision to “radically transform” the country’s economy. He said Kenya was already seeing tangible progress due to reforms across key sectors.
“In 2023, we had people on the streets with sufurias on their heads because the price of unga had reached Sh250. They have since left,” Ruto said, attributing the improvement to agricultural reforms that shifted subsidies from consumption to production.
He noted that digitising fertiliser and seed distribution has eliminated middlemen and corruption in the sector. “By registering farmers, we now have accurate data on who they are and what they produce,” he said.
In the sugar industry, Ruto reported a rise in production from 600,000 metric tonnes in 2023 to 815,000 tonnes in 2024, with projections to reach one million tonnes by 2026, making Kenya a potential net exporter by 2028.
Ruto also highlighted progress in the diaspora and financial sectors, revealing that he had instructed the Central Bank of Kenya to work with the International Association of Money Transfer Networks to reduce remittance costs, which currently range between 5 and 7 per cent.
“We are finding a more cost-effective mechanism for sending money home. The diaspora has done its part; now the government must make it easier and cheaper to remit funds,” he said.
The President lauded the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, led by Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, for strengthening ties between Kenyans abroad and the government through proactive engagement and response to welfare concerns.
Mr Mudavadi praised Kenyans abroad for their discipline and contribution to national stability. “We are getting fewer cases of Kenyans violating laws in other countries. The reputation of Kenyans globally remains strong,” he said.
Dr Omar Farah, the chairman of Kenyans living in Qatar, said the diaspora community was ready to be part of the country’s transformation journey.
“We are not asking to be remembered; we are asking to be included. We are not asking for favours; we are offering a partnership. We are not just Kenyans abroad; we are Kenya abroad,” he declared.
