President William Samoei Ruto on Monday explained the rationale behind the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
During a presidential town hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi, he stated that the formation of the department was driven by the need to protect the rights and welfare of the Kenyan diaspora.
In response to questions from attendees, President Ruto emphasized that Kenyans living abroad now have a dedicated state department focused solely on their needs.
The town hall meeting, part of the Jamhuri National Job Fair activities, addressed various topics including employment, labor mobility, and opportunities in the entertainment sector.
The President also highlighted legislative efforts aimed at unlocking the full potential of diverse economic sectors, particularly in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and discussed their expected impact on job creation.
At the same forum, Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline K Njogu noted that the State Department is committed to prioritizing diaspora needs through job opportunities, initiatives like Kazi Majuu, and integrating the Kenyan diaspora into national development.
She also outlined measures being implemented to protect Kenyans from exploitation by unscrupulous agents and to issue alerts regarding regions known for human trafficking.
The town hall meeting was attended by Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development; Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection; H.E. Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi County Governor; and other senior government officials.
Earlier, PS Njogu joined the President at the COMESA Grounds at the KICC to commemorate two years since the establishment of the Hustler Fund, sharing milestones and testimonials from beneficiaries.
