Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Hon Ababu Namwamba has affirmed the Government’s commitment to mainstreaming the Kenyan diaspora in the country’s development agenda.
Speaking at the 2nd Kenya Diaspora Alliance webinar themed “Leveraging Diaspora For Capital and Markets for Women/Youth-led MSMEs” he said the Government is focused on creating an enabling environment tailored to integrate the Kenyan diaspora and enable them to invest in the nation’s development.
“Our National Diaspora Policy is tailor-made to harness the potential of Kenyans abroad to contribute to Kenya’s transformation agenda, including the big four and vision 2030”, he affirmed.
He underscored the need to lower transaction costs for money remittances by the diaspora, which still remain high and a big hindrance to the inflows and financial inclusion.
Further, he disclosed that the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) is currently conducting the first-ever online Diaspora Remittances Survey (DRS).
“The survey aims at collecting valuable information on remittance inflows to Kenya to help guide policy with the objective of boosting the role of remittances in supporting the economy and livelihoods. The vital information to be collected will include; the efficiency and cost of alternative remittance channels; the difficulties encountered in remitting cash or non-cash transfers; the availability of information to Kenyans in the diaspora about investment opportunities in Kenya; and the usage of remittances received” he said
He added that once concluded, the Survey will go a long way in boosting remittance inflows and financial inclusion at all levels.
He also called upon the Kenyan Diaspora to partake in this important online survey that is instrumental in mainstreaming the Diaspora into the national development process.
The Webinar was organised by the Kenya Diaspora Alliance, the Diaspora Covid-19 Taskforce (DCTF), Women in Business (KNCCI/WIB) and the Kenya National Jua Kali Federation.
