The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited took the lead as one of the corporate exhibitors during the three days inaugural Diaspora Investment Conference held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The bank, which is a leading provider of diaspora and remittance services, has been engaging diaspora on matters investment, insurance for loved ones and cost effective channels of sending money back home.
During the conference, besides local and foreign investors, among other key dignitaries who visited the Co-op Bank stand include Principal Secretary for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Roseline K. Njogu
Diapsora Affairs PS Roselyn Njogu who noted that the diaspora community’s contribution to Kenya’s transformation agenda will support the Government’s aim of improving the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans, particularly in rural areas.
“Invest at home, find job opportunities and open up trade routes,” she said.
While opening the conference, president William Ruto said the government appreciates the role played by Kenyan diaspora in the economic growth of the country.
He noted that the government attaches great importance to its citizens living abroad and appreciates the close bonds they maintain with their motherland.
At the same time, president Ruto assured Kenyans living abroad of their security in their host countries so as to be actively involved in the socio-economic development back home.
“As government, the security and safety of all citizens is our foremost commitment and most fundamental obligation, without which every other endeavour, including investment, is not possible.” President Ruto noted.
The theme of the conference was, “Tujenge Kenya: Bridging borders, Building Futures.”
President Ruto noted that the Government will continue to engage the diaspora across the globe, with the objective of providing systems and structures to protect their rights and welfare.
He said their contribution will be mainstreamed to nation building in all sectors of the economy.
President Ruto argued that the government has expanded digital provision of public services to encompass 14,000 services.
“It’s our commitment to ensure full digitization, which has not only enhanced efficiency and integrity in the provision of government services, but also improved revenue collection,” he said.
He told the forum that the Government has rolled out the Mobile Consular Service exercise that has now covered 22 countries, and served over 9,000 Kenyans abroad at the closest points to where they live.
“To connect our highly skilled and innovative human capital, with employment opportunities, we have developed the Global Labour Market Strategy that will facilitate Kenyans, especially the youth, find work abroad.” He added.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kenyans misunderstood the government’s plan to privatize some institutions.
“The government does not intend to dispose of some institutions including KICC but instead it’s about privatization. Let’s get it clear.” Mudavadi said.
During the Gala Night dinner after closure of the conference, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Roseline K. Njogu noted that the diaspora community’s contribution to Kenya’s transformation agenda will support the Government’s aim of improving the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans, particularly in rural areas.
“Invest at home, find job opportunities and open up trade routes.” Njogu said.
