The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to leveraging its diaspora community as a key driver of economic growth, trade, and labour mobility.
Speaking at the Kenya-Nebraska Agriculture, Trade and Investment Conference in Nairobi, the PS underscored the government’s determination to strengthen ties with Kenyans abroad, stating that diaspora engagement has evolved beyond remittances to focus on building strategic partnerships.
“We want to deepen collaboration with our diaspora to mobilize expertise, improve investor due diligence, and advance responsible labour mobility that benefits both Kenya and our global partners,” said PS Njogu.
She commended Kenyans in Nebraska for leading the landmark event, describing it as evidence that diaspora diplomacy can unlock significant opportunities for investment and international cooperation.
Highlighting Kenya’s diverse agro-ecological zones and entrepreneurial farmers, Njogu positioned the country as an attractive destination for agricultural and agribusiness investment.
The conference also featured contributions from State Department of Trade PS Regina Akoth Ombam, who pointed to Nebraska’s world-class beef production and advanced agricultural technology as valuable models for Kenya to learn from and adapt.
The high-level meeting followed the signing of a historic Labour Mobility and Diaspora Support Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya and the State of Nebraska at State House, Nairobi. Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen hailed the agreement as a “win-win partnership” that will enable Kenyan talent to fill critical labour gaps in Nebraska while creating new opportunities and strengthening bilateral ties.
Beyond trade and investment, the conference showcased how diaspora-led initiatives can serve as bridges of diplomacy, innovation, and opportunity, placing Kenyans abroad at the centre of the country’s global influence strategy.
