Ruto Pushes Diaspora Investment and Overseas Jobs Agenda

President William Ruto has intensified his administration’s push to position the Kenyan diaspora as a key pillar of economic growth and job creation.

During a meeting with representatives of Kenyans living abroad from 40 countries at State House Nairobi, the President outlined government efforts aimed at expanding overseas employment opportunities while enhancing access to services for diaspora communities.

Ruto revealed that at least 540,000 Kenyans have secured jobs abroad over the past three years following reforms in the labour migration sector.

“In the past three years, 540,000 Kenyans have found work abroad following the streamlining of the sector and elimination of fraudsters,” the President said.

The Head of State noted that labour mobility remains one of the government’s major strategies in addressing unemployment and increasing foreign remittances into the country.

He also urged Kenyans abroad to continue investing back home, saying the government has simplified access to key national programmes including affordable housing and health insurance.

According to Ruto, diaspora members can now purchase houses remotely through the Boma Yangu platform and support relatives through contributions to the Social Health Authority medical scheme.

The President further praised the Kenyan diaspora for maintaining a positive reputation globally through hard work, professionalism and reliability.

The government has in recent years signed several bilateral labour agreements with foreign countries as part of efforts to expand employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers abroad.