President William Ruto has expressed his appreciation to the Kenyan diaspora for their contributions to the country’s economy.
Speaking during an engagement with Kenyans in Egypt, Ruto acknowledged the role of the diaspora in driving economic growth through remittances as well as their positive impact on Kenya’s reputation globally.
He stated that the billions of shillings they send back home help to transform lives.
“The monies you send home are not just numbers, they are transforming lives, uplifting families, and driving progress in villages across the country,” he said.
The Head of state also urged them to continue supporting the country’s development.
He is accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Environment), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade), Eric Mugaa (Water) and Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh among others.
Also accompanying him is Kenya’s African Union Commission (AUC) candidate Raila Odinga.
Ruto is in the country for a two-day State visit.
Kenya’s total average exports to Egypt are valued at approximately $176.04 million (Sh22.8 billion) while imports from Egypt were valued at approximately $340.10 million (Sh44.2 billion).
Earlier on, Ruto and his host Abdel Fattah el-Sisi witnessed the signing of 12 MoUs to strengthen trade, investment, education, and technological exchanges between the two countries.
According to Ruto, the agreements are set to expand cooperation in political consultations, diplomatic training, investment cooperation, gender equality, maritime partnerships, youth empowerment and higher education, and scientific research.
The deals, he said, would further increase collaboration in telecommunications and IT, space cooperation, governance, and sustainable development, as well as housing, construction, and urban development.
Ruto announced that discussions are at an advanced stage to finalise critical agreements in customs cooperation, security, tourism, mining, blue economy, sports development, and the Grant Water Agreement.
“I trust that we shall swiftly conclude on the pending matters and have the MoUs come into force as soon as practicable. These will further reinforce our shared vision for economic transformation and sustainable development for the benefit of our people,” he said.
To further strengthen business relations, Ruto has proposed the establishment of a Joint Business Council to enhance bilateral ties and explore new trade and investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest.
“We also discussed measures to eliminate trade barriers, streamline regulations, and simplify customs procedures to create a more predictable and efficient trading environment for our business communities.
"By addressing challenges such as delayed payments and supply chain inefficiencies, we will unlock economic resilience and shared prosperity,” he said.
Ruto noted that Kenya and Egypt have long collaborated in the promotion of peace and security in Africa.
“I commend my dear brother, President El-Sisi, for his strong leadership in promoting security and stability in the Middle East and North Africa, including his tireless efforts in securing a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza,” he added.
“We have made substantial progress in strengthening our economic, security, and diplomatic ties, and I am confident that our partnership will continue to thrive,” he stated.
The signing of the agreements follows a Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting between the two countries in March 2024.
