Kenyans living in the diaspora have been urged to invest back home following the recent State visit by President William Ruto to the United States.
Participants at a forum attended by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments led by Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) were urged to take advantage of strengthened economic ties between Kenya and the US
The Jambo List USA Business Forum on “the power of investing back home” held at Embassy Suites Hotel in Piscataway SomerSet Area, in New Jersey, US was attended by investors and philanthropists.
Miano noted that the US accounts for 56 per cent of Kenya’s diaspora remittances.
“My ministry has undertaken to set up a diaspora directorate to offer business solutions to the diaspora community,” the CS told the forum.
Miano said the government is keen to have better linkages with Kenyans in the diaspora.
“We will be available to Kenyans in the diaspora to give them the information they require and address their concerns, especially the safety and cost of their remittances and opportunities that are available in Kenya,” she said.
During the state visit, Kenya and the US committed to partnering with the private sector to further strengthen these economic ties, including in the critical areas of clean energy technology, agriculture, and affordable housing.
Speaking at Jambo List USA Business Forum, Kenyan real estate firm, Finsco Africa, CEO John Mwaura announced he will embark on a programme to reach out to Kenya’s diaspora to encourage them to invest back home.
Mwaura welcomed Kenyans living in the diaspora to invest back home in real estate to complement the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
“Investing in real estate at home will also help many Kenyans to not only own homes but to start income-generating activities in sectors like agribusiness and horticulture, value addition and agro-processing since the housing issue will have been dealt with,” Mwaura said.
Finsco will embark on an extensive private business tour across states the US including Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington Seattle, New Jersey, North Carolina and California
The tour, scheduled from June 24 to July 31, 2024, is designed to connect Kenyans in the diaspora with lucrative investment opportunities back home.
"Our mission is to empower Kenyans wherever they are by providing secure, profitable, and hassle-free investment opportunities. This tour is an extension of that mission, and I look forward to engaging with our diaspora community and potential investors across the United States,” Mwaura said.
Finsco has five key projects currently ongoing; Thika Grove Chania, Finpark Estate in Ruai, Riverline Ridges, Legacy Ridges and Bliss Water Park.