Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau has praised the proposal to establish a Ministry of Diaspora to address issues affecting its citizens.
Macharia told Members of the National Assembly that his Ministry was overwhelmed even as it focuses to boost remittances.
President William Ruto stated that the decision to establish the docket was made in response to complaints that Kenyans in the diaspora do not receive the attention they deserve.
“We must protect and promote our diaspora. I was very proud to hear the president announcing that he is going to have a ministry of diaspora because it takes that burden off of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and puts it where it belongs,” he stated.
“Where it can have dedicated support. It is not possible for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to manage diaspora affairs effectively.”
The president promised Kenyans in the diaspora that he would establish a ministry to better address their concerns.
He had laid out a health-care plan that would allow them to cater for their relatives back home.
He stated that these provisions will allow those in the diaspora to invest in other areas such as housing and infrastructure without fear of abuse.
According to the DP, these packages will be tailored to meet the needs of those who live outside of Kenya.
According to National Treasury data, diaspora remittances increased by 13% from Sh250.4 billion in January to July 2022.
