Ruto Urges Kenyans in Qatar to Help Propel Nation from Third World to First

President William Ruto has called on Kenyans living abroad to rally behind his administration’s efforts to transform Kenya into a developed nation

Speaking in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday evening during a meeting with Kenyans in the diaspora  held on the sidelines of the UN Second World Summit for Social Development  President Ruto urged them to use their skills, networks, and resources to drive national growth

“It disturbs me that Kenya can be a great nation, but we are not moving,” he said. “Kenyans are appreciated and recognised globally for their hard work. If you can contribute to the economies of other countries, you can do even more for your own”

Ruto noted that Kenyan expatriates remitted over $5 billion (KSh650 billion) last year, making them a critical pillar of the nation’s economy. He pledged to reduce the current cost of sending money home which stands between 5 and 7 percent  by working with the Central Bank of Kenya and international money transfer networks to create a cheaper and more efficient system

He highlighted Kenya’s progress across key economic sectors, citing reforms in agriculture that have stabilized food prices. “In 2023, people were protesting because unga cost KSh250. Today, they are no longer on the streets,” he said, crediting this to subsidizing production rather than consumption and eliminating cartels through digitalised distribution of farm inputs

The President also noted remarkable gains in the sugar sector, where output has grown from 600,000 metric tonnes in 2023 to 815,000 tonnes in 2024, with projections to hit 1 million tonnes by next year. “By 2028, Kenya will be a net exporter of sugar,” he affirmed

Ruto said he had shared his transformative vision with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, emphasizing unity in achieving national progress

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The meeting was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Labour CS Alfred Mutua, and senior government officials

Mudavadi lauded the diaspora community for their discipline and positive global reputation. “We are getting fewer reports of Kenyans violating laws abroad. You are ambassadors of our nation’s good image,” he said

Dr. Omar Farah, chairperson of Kenyans living in Qatar, pledged support for the government’s development agenda. “We are not asking for favours; we are offering partnership. We are not just Kenyans abroad  we are Kenya abroad,” he stated

President Ruto concluded by expressing pride in the diaspora’s contribution to national development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to closer engagement with Kenyans abroad through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs

Writer : Mweru Mbugua