President William Ruto on Tuesday told Kenyans in Ghana that total remittances by the diaspora could rise to $5 billion this year.
Speaking in Accra on Tuesday evening during a diaspora engagement forum at the onset of his three-day state visit to Ghana, President Ruto said remittances stand at $4 billion annually, but have the potential to increase.
The President termed the Kenyan diaspora as an outstanding beacon of inspiration for the country and the world, and thanked them for their contribution towards Kenya’s prosperity.
“I have no doubt in your capabilities as our people living and working here, because I know the Kenyan Diaspora has long been a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the well-being of our country,” Ruto said.
He added that the Kenyan diaspora had played a crucial role “in decolonizing, democratizing and globalizing the Kenyan economy”.
“Your hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence have not only propelled your personal success but have also made a positive impact in Kenya and on the global stage,” he said.
In 2023, remittances inflows from Kenyans living abroad reached a record high of $4.19 billion, marking a 4.0 percent increase from 2023 at $4.03 billion, according to data from the Central Bank of Kenya.
To inrease these numbers, the President is pushing for labour export to Europe and the Middle East, amongst other destinations.
In August last year, Ruto said they were working to ensure export of world-class labour.
“I have given very clear instructions to [Labour CS] Florence [Bore] she knows what she must do to at least get one million job exports from Kenya,” the President said in Uasin Gishu.
INVEST BACK HOME
On his part, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said the Ministry through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs was keen to foster and sustain continuous dialogue with the Kenyan Diaspora.
Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu implored on tKenyans in Ghana to invest back home, help in skills and technology transfer, sourcing and opening up trade routes for Kenyan goods and services in the host countries as well as engage and work with the government to find jobs for Kenyans abroad.
The PS added that they are committed as a state department to ensure all Kenyans abroad continue to flourish as it will Protect-Engage-Empower-Prosper them.
Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who is part of the delegation, said Kenya boasts of the best human capital in the world, and that the Kenyans in Ghana’s investments in Kenya contribute significantly to the collective growth.
“Let’s continue to build bridges and opportunities together by investing in Kenya,” CS Miano said.
