Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to involve Kenyans living abroad in the management of the country’s embassies if the opposition secures power in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to Kenyans in Baltimore, USA, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, Gachagua outlined a plan to appoint qualified members of the diaspora community to key positions in embassies around the world.

He emphasised that Kenyans abroad possess the experience and understanding required to strengthen diplomatic relations and attract investment back home.

“What will it cost me as president to have diaspora people taking charge of embassies across the world? They understand those countries more than we do. They know what Kenyans want in America; they know how we can relate with Americans to come and invest at home,” Gachagua said.

He noted that many Kenyans living in the diaspora are well-versed with the economic and social dynamics of their host countries and would be better placed to market Kenyan products and services.

By engaging them directly in embassies, he said, the country would improve its ability to connect with foreign investors and respond to the needs of Kenyans living abroad.

Gachagua added that the strategy would also reduce costs, as embassy roles would be filled by individuals already residing in the respective countries.

“How do you go looking for people when you have people who know how to deal with situations professionally and in an effective manner? I want serious engagement with people in the diaspora.

“I want to have them in our embassies either as ambassadors or deputy ambassadors. And for consular services, why do you want to bring people who have never been here? How will they understand the challenges Kenyans face here, yet we have people here who have the requisite skills to do those jobs in embassies? It is even cheaper,” he added.

Diasporic expertise

He explained that the diaspora community has a pool of skilled professionals capable of serving as ambassadors, deputy ambassadors, and consular officers, bringing both expertise and efficiency to the diplomatic service.

The former deputy president emphasised that the move is part of a broader effort to build stronger ties with the diaspora and ensure they have a direct role in shaping Kenya’s international presence. He described the engagement as a long-term plan designed to harness the knowledge and skills of Kenyans abroad for the benefit of the nation.

“When you want to market Kenyan goods, why don’t you get people living right here? Why don’t you want our young boys and girls to do it? Because they hang around here, and they understand this place more than we do. I am looking for a serious engagement with the diaspora, and I am speaking with a lot of seriousness. This is not just talk; it is something I intend to do,” he added.