The Kenya Diaspora Alliance- KDA- has said that Kenyans in Diaspora will double annual remittances into Kenya from the current Ksh. 250B to Ksh. 500B by 2022.

This was voiced during a 3 day Kenya Diaspora Homecoming Convention-KDHC, currently ongoing at Ole Sereni Hotel until Friday.

The convention, drawing representation from the public and private sectors, brings together leading diaspora and local captains of industry to discuss Big 4 Agenda, investment, skills, knowhow and governance.

“For a group whose annual investments have grown to over Ksh. 250B, the decision to provide a platform for conversation around investment opportunities in Kenya is commendable,” said Nancy Karigithu, PS Shipping and Maritime Affairs.

The diaspora community living abroad has also been challenged to form associations and structures to channel their needs and expertise and resources back into the country.

Chief Guest and The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi challenged Kenyans in the Diaspora to invest in sustainability areas.

“Let your directions of investment and your demands of security be in the direction of investing in sustainability in new areas that breath life and hope in young, under-employed and physically challenged men and women of this country.”

This years convention will revolve around the theme of “Knowledge Management & Youth Engagement at the grassroots Mashinani”; with a focus on creating a platform for businesses, exporters, professionals, researchers, and youth to collaborate, explore, inspire and get inspiration from the diaspora community and each other.

The Convention will feature over 500 participants- over the 3 days, among them eminent diaspora and representatives from government (legislature, judiciary, and executive both at national and county levels), private corporates (local as well as multinational), media, academia, civil society and development partners. It creates a platform to facilitate interaction between the diaspora and other stakeholders, to hasten their participation in national socio-economic development for mutual benefit.

It will be a consultative event whose objectives include awareness creation amongst Kenyans in the diaspora on investment opportunities (both at national and county levels), in line with government plans and policies (including the National Diaspora Policy and Vision 2030).