By Grace Gilo
President William Ruto has explained the rationale behind the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
During a presidential town hall meeting held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, he stated that the establishment of the department was motivated by the necessity to safeguard the rights and well-being of Kenyans living abroad.
“The formation of the department was driven by the need to protect the rights and welfare of the Kenyan diaspora,” the President said.
In response to questions from attendees, President Ruto underscored that there is now a dedicated state department focused solely on the needs of the Kenyan diaspora.
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.
Additionally, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary, Roseline Njogu, emphasized the department’s commitment to prioritizing diaspora needs through job opportunities, initiatives like Kazi Majuu, and integrating the Kenyan diaspora into national development.
The PS also outlined measures being implemented to protect Kenyans from exploitation by unscrupulous agents and to issue alerts regarding regions known for human trafficking.