Ruto in New York: “Diaspora Is Kenya’s Human Resource Capital”

President William Ruto has described Kenyans living abroad as an important source of human resource capital, saying their skills, expertise, investments and global networks can play a bigger role in the country’s development.

Speaking during an engagement with Kenyans in New York ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Ruto said the contribution of the diaspora should go beyond the billions of shillings they send home through remittances.

The President said Kenyans abroad possess professional knowledge, business experience, technology and international networks that can be harnessed to support development and create opportunities back home.

“Diaspora is a good human resource capital,” Ruto said, emphasising the need for the country to create stronger links between Kenyans abroad and opportunities in Kenya.

His remarks came as the government, the United Nations in Kenya and Equity Group Holdings unveiled the Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform in New York.

The platform is designed to provide Kenyans abroad with access to verified investment and development opportunities in Kenya. It will focus on areas including community projects, financing for micro, small and medium enterprises, enterprise development, philanthropy and skills and knowledge transfer.

Ruto said the initiative was intended to establish a stronger connection between the diaspora and opportunities available in Kenya, while ensuring that the process is built around trust, transparency and measurable results.

The President said reliable information would be essential if the platform is to attract greater participation from Kenyans living outside the country.

The initiative comes as Kenya continues to rely heavily on diaspora remittances as a source of foreign exchange. According to the United Nations in Kenya, formal remittance inflows reached approximately US$5.04 billion in 2025, highlighting the financial importance of Kenyans living and working abroad.

However, the new platform seeks to expand the role of the diaspora beyond sending money to families.

Through the initiative, Kenyans abroad are expected to have more structured opportunities to invest in businesses, support community development programmes and contribute professional expertise to projects in the country.

Ruto also used the New York engagement to highlight his administration’s priorities in areas such as healthcare, food security, job creation, education and affordable housing.

Government officials accompanying the President made presentations on some of the programmes and opportunities available in the country.

The President further told the diaspora that Kenya was seeking to expand trade and investment across sectors including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture and technology.

The government says the diaspora platform will help connect capital, skills and international networks with credible opportunities at home.

The initiative is being developed through a partnership involving the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the United Nations and Equity Group Holdings.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi signed the Joint Declaration of Intent on behalf of the government, while UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Garry Conille represented the United Nations and Equity Group CEO James Mwangi signed for the private sector.

The platform is expected to move from its prototype stage towards implementation, with emphasis on providing credible information and clear pathways for diaspora participation.

Ruto said stronger engagement with Kenyans abroad could help channel their expertise, investments and networks towards national development while creating opportunities for businesses and communities across the country.