Basil Koech is spokesman, Young USA Students Caucus.As President William Ruto heads to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, the Kenyan diaspora community welcomes the opportunity to engage with the Head of State during his scheduled meeting with Kenyans living in the US.
The engagement is an important recognition of the critical role the diaspora plays in Kenya’s economy and national development.
So far, we have had committed Kenyan diplomatic missions, including the Embassy and Consulates, serving the diaspora with dedication while strengthening Kenya’s position within the community of nations.
The United States is particularly significant as the host country of the United Nations.
However, whenever such opportunities arise, we must continue engaging the government on emerging issues affecting Kenyans abroad.
This time, we are keen to centre our engagement with the President around several key areas.
First, we are calling for the expansion of emergency and welfare assistance for Kenyans living abroad. As a matter of policy, the government should strengthen the existing framework and ensure that assistance is accessible to Kenyans in different parts of the world, particularly those facing emergencies or difficult circumstances.
We are also proposing a review of the current dual citizenship and immigration support policies to reflect the realities facing Kenyans abroad.
These include the complexities of working in foreign countries, maintaining families across borders and the need for greater support for Kenyans navigating immigration systems.
There is also a need for stronger and more structured engagement between the government and diaspora organisations around the world. Such engagement can help the government share experiences, identify opportunities abroad and enhance the participation of the diaspora in policy decisions made in Nairobi.
The President’s engagement with Kenyans abroad provides an important opportunity for us to contribute to policy formulation as a critical pillar of Kenya’s economic growth.
We also believe that discussions on the balance of trade, as well as import and export policies and modalities, are important. These issues have a direct bearing on the economy and can contribute to the stability of the Kenyan shilling.
There are also political questions that we intend to raise. We will share our views on the President’s record in office, assess his development agenda so far and provide constructive feedback on areas that require greater attention.
We will also want the President to outline his re-election agenda and explain the measures his administration is taking to ensure that the country remains peaceful before, during and after the 2027 General Election.
As an athlete, I would also take this opportunity to congratulate President Ruto and his government on Kenya’s successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Securing the opportunity to host such a major international sporting event is significant, particularly given the challenges encountered during the bidding process.
The President is welcome, and we look forward to an open and constructive engagement with Kenyans in the diaspora.
Basil Koech is spokesman, Young USA Students Caucus.
