This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
On December 18, 2019, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa emphasized the importance of Kenyans in the diaspora in the country's development during the launch of the 6th Annual Kenya Diaspora Homecoming Convention at the Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi.
According to CS Wamalwa, President Uhuru Kenyatta has repeatedly expressed his support for a more structured engagement with the diaspora, citing the significant role diaspora remittances play in the country's foreign exchange earnings.
Remittances from the diaspora have surpassed traditional foreign earners like coffee, tea, flowers, and tourism, earning the diaspora the title of Kenya's 48th county, the largest and most influential.
Mr. Wamalwa noted that the Ministry of Devolution is working to structure a system that allows counties to benefit from diaspora remittances and investments, aligning with the devolved system of government and the Big 4 Agenda.
He highlighted the operational diaspora policy, which has seen diaspora remittances contribute to development in counties, and encouraged diaspora participation in initiatives like universal healthcare, which started in Kisumu and Machakos.
CS Wamalwa also emphasized the importance of diaspora participation in the country's politics, stating that their investments can only be safeguarded if they participate in the political processes.
