By Reporter
An investment conference slated for next month will focus on skills transfer and labour migration of Kenyans.
The conference seeks to host Kenyans living abroad and investors from various sectors of the economy.
The annual investment meeting organised by the Kenya Diaspora Alliance will this year explore the opportunities that lie abroad for Kenyans seeking greener pastures outside the country.
The Kenya Diaspora Alliance Chairman, Dr Shem Ochuodho, on Monday, said this year’s meeting comes at an opportune time when the government was grappling with the idea of exporting labour abroad; hence, knowing the set skills needed outside the country is valuable.
“There is a pressing need for countries, especially developing nations like Kenya, to adapt and evolve to ensure resilience, sustainability, and economic prosperity. The Kenyan diaspora, with its diverse wealth of knowledge, skills, and networks, plays a pivotal role in this transformation,” said Ochuodho.
To harness the skills and knowledge of the Kenyan diaspora for technology exchange, technical assistance, career upgrades, and economic resilience, Dr Ochuodho said the hybrid meeting will also aim at promoting climate resilience and sustainability in the development of Kenya by leveraging technology and innovation.
“To explore avenues for economic transformation and growth for prosperity through diaspora engagement and investment, we are aiming to foster collaboration and exchange between and among the diaspora, academia, research, professionals, government, private sector, and civil society,” added Dr Ochuodho.
The 11th Annual Kenya Diaspora Homecoming Convention is scheduled for December 9 to 11 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi.
The diaspora lobby noted that Kenyans in the diaspora have been at the forefront of Foreign Direct Investments in Kenya, with them remitting a whopping USD 4.19 billion (KES 670 billion) in 2023. This sum is expected to increase in the coming years as they learn of more ways to invest in the country.
“The Convention aims to bring together a host of government leaders and representatives, private sector leaders, civil society specialists, business entrepreneurs, academics, and students all focused on contributing to the Kenyan economy.”
The Convention aims to culminate in a comprehensive action plan that outlines clear strategies and initiatives for harnessing the potential of the Kenyan diaspora in driving resilience and growth in the 5th Industrial Era.
According to its organisers, a commitment to ongoing and deepened collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders will be emphasised.
Sessions will explore how diasporans can leverage their knowledge, skills, prowess, and experience to accelerate technology transfer, upgrade their careers, and contribute to building a resilient Kenyan workforce ready to tackle the challenges and harness opportunities of the 5th Industrial Era.
“The session will also focus on manufacturing of key elements, especially in the agro-processing, extractive, and semiconductor industries for the success of the 5th Industrial Era,” Ochuodho added.
According to the organisers, with the notably escalating impacts of climate change, discussions will delve into sustainable practices, renewable energy, and green technologies that diasporans can introduce to Kenya. This segment aims to highlight innovative solutions for water conservation, agriculture, and urban planning. It shall also explore climate finance, carbon trading, climate mitigation, as well as adaptation. Participants will interact with new laws and regulations, both at national and county levels.
Tech-novation sessions will showcase the latest technological advancements and innovative solutions that can drive and accelerate Kenya’s development and transformation.
Topics will include artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), coding, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, cloud computing, e-commerce, fintech, and cybersecurity, with a focus on how these can be utilised for social and economic transformation.
The conference comes at a time when the government is set to roll out a major labour recruitment drive starting 18 November through to 6 December, aimed at connecting Kenyans with job opportunities abroad.
The announcement was made following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, which unveiled a list of countries where Kenyans will be seeking employment.
These include Germany, Austria, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Northern Ireland, in addition to Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.
According to a Cabinet dispatch, the Ministry of Labour will be holding recruitment drives in every county during the designated period.
The jobs on offer will cover a broad spectrum of professional, skilled, and unskilled positions, including nurses, aged-care workers, and teachers in critical subjects like science, mathematics, English, and physical education.
“At the meeting, the Cabinet was informed that the Ministry of Labour has organised job recruitment drives in every county over the coming weeks,” the dispatch stated in part.
“These recruitment efforts are part of a broader strategy to connect Kenyans with employment opportunities both within the region and globally.”
The briefing also highlighted the success of Kenya’s ongoing labour export programme.
Since July 2023, a total of 105,367 Kenyans have secured jobs abroad, with 16,943 people cleared for employment since January 2024 alone, according to the government.
President William Ruto has been vocal about increasing Kenyan labour exports as part of the government’s broader economic strategy.
In June, he revealed that the country has been sending 1,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers overseas every week.
