Daring Returnees Forum 2024: Celebrating Kenyan Diaspora’s Impact on National Development

The “Daring Returnees Forum 2024” is poised to spotlight the substantial contributions of Kenyans who have courageously chosen to return and reintegrate into their homeland.

This event, organized by Chams Media in partnership with Chams Adventures, will serve as a nexus for returnees, diaspora professionals, policymakers, and business leaders to convene, exchange insights, and explore strategies for leveraging diaspora influence in Kenya’s developmental trajectory. The forum is scheduled to take place on September 27 at the Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, offering a full day of engaging sessions. The Kenyan diaspora has long been acknowledged as a linchpin of the country’s socio-economic progress, with their impact extending far beyond financial remittances to encompass invaluable knowledge and skills transfer.

Recent data from the Central Bank of Kenya stresses this significance, revealing that diaspora remittances have reached unprecedented levels, solidifying their position as one of Kenya’s primary sources of foreign exchange. However, the forum aims to emphasize that the diaspora’s contribution transcends monetary value, highlighting the crucial transfer of skills, knowledge, and expertise that returnees bring to their homeland. Distinguished journalist and media entrepreneur Alex Chamwada will host the event. His extensive experience documenting the lives of Kenyans abroad through his media platform uniquely positions him to lead discussions on diaspora engagement in Kenya’s development.

The forum will be graced by Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Ms Roseline Njogu as the Chief Guest. Under her leadership, the department has been instrumental in crafting policies that facilitate smoother reintegration for returnees and harnessing diaspora resources to align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals. The event will feature presentations from renowned returnees who have made significant contributions across various sectors. Prof. Dominic Mwenja, former Vice Chancellor of California Miramar University and ex-CEO of Mater Hospital, is expected to share insights on leadership, healthcare innovations, and international best practices in education and healthcare management applicable to the Kenyan context.

Prof. Emmanuel Mutisya, an experienced project manager, sustainability expert, and researcher, will also address the audience. As the Chairperson of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and former chairperson of the Diaspora Council of Kenya, Prof. Mutisya’s presentation will emphasise the importance of sustainable development and the role of science and technology in shaping Kenya’s future economy. The forum’s program will encompass a wide range of activities, including panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. These sessions will focus on how returnees have leveraged their skills to benefit Kenya’s socio-economic landscape, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with reintegration.