President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States has been marked by pomp as he seeks to strengthen ties with the Kenyan diaspora and attract their investment in the country’s economic transformation.
The President’s first stop was in Atlanta, Georgia, where he addressed a Diaspora Tech Investment Forum attended by 1,500 Kenyans from various parts of the US. During the forum, President Ruto emphasized the advanced stage of Kenya’s economic transformation, presenting numerous investment opportunities across various sectors. He pledged to establish a diaspora board to facilitate and protect diaspora investments in the country. The President’s call to the diaspora was unequivocal: “Come, let us build home, let’s build it together.”
Accompanying President Ruto were First Lady Rachel Ruto, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr Musalia Mudavadi, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu, Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, and other high-ranking government officials. Ms Njogu expresses excitement about the historic state visit. She praises the diaspora’s work and partnership in protecting, engaging, empowering, and prospering the Kenyan community abroad.
The delegation later travelled to Washington D.C., where President Ruto delivered a keynote address at the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. He outlined his administration’s strategies for enhancing climate action efforts and addressing environmental challenges. Also, hundreds of the Kenyan diaspora residing, employed, and studying in the United States, along with other esteemed guests, bore witness to the full honours bestowed upon the President during his state visit.
The lawns of the White House served as the backdrop for a gathering where Principal Secretary Roselyne Njogu, among other senior government officials, engaged with the Kenyan diaspora community. This interaction provided an opportunity for the diaspora to connect with representatives of their homeland and celebrate the strengthening of ties between Kenya and the United States.
