Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has expressed the government's gratitude to Kenyans in the diaspora for their contribution to Kenya's economic growth through remittances.
Mudavadi said efforts by Kenyans in the diaspora have played a crucial role in stabilising the Kenyan shilling against major global currencies.
He said the government is working towards adopting a clear strategy in forging a stronger partnership with Kenyans in the diaspora.
“If we look at the numbers, you have surpassed coffee, tea, and even horticulture. Kenyans in the diaspora are very key in stabilising the rate of the shilling against hard currencies. If Kenyans in the diaspora slightly slide from the trajectory we are in, then inflation can be a problem back home," Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi made the remarks when he met the Kenyan diaspora in Windhoek, Namibia, while on the first day of his official visit.
Statistics indicate that money sent home by Kenyans living abroad continued on a growth trajectory to hit a record Sh671 billion (US$4.19 billion) in 2023, significantly boosting the country's current account balance amid falling export revenue.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary encouraged the diaspora to actively engage in shaping the upcoming Diaspora Policy Paper, soon to be tabled in Parliament, by sharing their insights and proposals through Kenya’s High Commissions and embassies.
Kenyans living and working in Namibia called on the government to hasten the introduction of direct flights between Nairobi and Windhoek.
They said if there are any protocol or security bottlenecks that need to be untangled, key negotiations need to be fast-tracked by the two sides.
Led by the chair of their association, Dan Mule, they said the introduction of direct flights will help boost the growth of business and investments between Kenya and Namibia.
“Direct flights will open many opportunities that remain untapped. When we have exports like tea coming directly from Kenya to Namibia, it is a sign of potential growth in our export market,” Mule said.
They also raised a number of concerns about the need for a more streamlined process for passport renewals, efficient and within a shorter time.
Mudavadi underscored the government's unwavering commitment to supporting and strengthening ties with the Kenyan diaspora.
