Diaspora remittances now Kenya’s top foreign exchange earner – DP

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said that currently diaspora remittances stand as Kenya’s top foreign exchange earner at over Sh500 billion.

Speaking during a meeting with representatives of Kenyans in Namibia, Saturday, Kindiki said the diaspora remittances have supported the tea and tourism sectors, which have for many years been top earners.

“We thank you for what you're doing for our country, the diaspora community. You play a huge role in developing our nation. Diaspora remittances now have overtaken the traditional tea tourism and so forth, which for the last about 40 years, have been the leading earners of foreign exchange for Kenya. Remittance is now scaling up, I think it’s past Sh500 billion now,” he said.

The Deputy President said the current administration’s target is to ensure the remittances hit the trillion mark.

He said the diaspora holds a special place in relation to the development of Kenya.

“Our target, of course, in the manifesto of Kenya Kwanza is to get a trillion remittances. We place diaspora in a very special place, because you are helping develop our country, and we value that input," he said.

During the meeting, the Kenyan professionals in Namibia raised concerns on various issues including immigration, travel logistics and trade, calling on the government to address the challenges.

Kindiki in response assured them of Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to see to it that they are all addressed fully.

He said this will be done in the shortest time possible.

“The things you've said here, it is in our interest as a country to unlock all of them without exception. I was expecting more issues you list on reform, and I want to assure you will resolve them in the shortest possible time," Kindiki said.

The DP met the Kenyan community representatives after the funeral of Namibia’s founding President Sam Nujoma in Windhoek.

He represented President William Ruto at the funeral.