First Lady Rachel Ruto on Wednesday met with Kenyan women professionals working in Beijing, China.
This engagement marks a considerable effort to engage the diaspora in Kenya’s national development and is part of President William Ruto’s official tour to China. During the meeting, Rachel Ruto emphasized the importance of diaspora members as goodwill ambassadors and vital links between Kenya and the global community. She highlighted their potential to transfer skills, knowledge, and technology back to Kenya, as well as their capacity to mentor young entrepreneurs and facilitate opportunities for Kenyans in China. The First Lady’s call to action encourages these professionals to leverage their expertise, experience, and networks for Kenya’s benefit through various means, including direct investment and mentorship programs.
“The Kenyans in the Diaspora are our goodwill ambassadors and a link between Kenya and the world. They play a critical role in transferring skills, knowledge, and technology back to Kenya, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or connecting Kenyans to opportunities here in China,” she said.
This Beijing engagement is part of a broader agenda aimed at strengthening international partnerships and promoting economic empowerment. Rachel Ruto’s itinerary also includes participation in a session hosted by Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan on behalf of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development. This event focuses on accelerating women’s empowerment through education, aligning with both Kenyan and Chinese development objectives. The First Lady’s activities coincide with President William Ruto’s participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation 2024. The President’s agenda encompasses pursuing substantial agreements with China, particularly in infrastructure and trade sectors.
In her statement, Rachel Ruto highlighted the diaspora’s crucial role in Kenya’s development strategy. These individuals are viewed as key contributors to the transfer of valuable skills and knowledge to Kenya. The First Lady’s initiative aligns with the Kenyan government’s comprehensive strategy to involve the diaspora in national development efforts. Recognizing the diaspora’s potential to drive economic growth through remittances, investments, and skill transfer, the government seeks to strengthen connections with Kenyans abroad to achieve its development goals.
The ongoing summit aims to strengthen the strategic alliance between China and Africa in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, amid growing global political tensions. The summit’s main agenda includes discussions on climate, energy, and sustainable growth, as well as collaboration in digital technology to help address Africa’s digital disparities. Historically, FOCAC has resulted in substantial financial pledges for African projects in areas like infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing.
