Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has highlighted the role of the Kenyan diaspora in driving national development, noting their contribution through remittances, skills transfer and investment during President William Ruto’s state visit to Finland on June 10–11, 2026.

In a statement posted on X on June 11, Mudavadi said: “Kenya’s Diaspora remains one of our greatest national assets, serving as ambassadors of our country while contributing significantly to economic growth, innovation and skills development.”

He joined Ruto in Helsinki for an engagement with Kenyans living in Finland, where discussions focused on labour mobility, investment opportunities, skills transfer and welfare of citizens abroad.

Ruto acknowledged the diaspora’s contribution through remittances, entrepreneurship, professional excellence and knowledge exchange, noting their role in strengthening Kenya’s economic transformation and global competitiveness. The engagement formed part of the broader state visit hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, which aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between Kenya and Finland.

Kenya–Finland cooperation agenda

During the visit, Kenya and Finland expanded cooperation in technology, innovation, clean energy, education and the circular economy. The discussions also focused on improving labour mobility frameworks and expanding opportunities for skilled Kenyan workers in international markets.

Kenya presented itself as a regional hub for digital innovation and investment, supported by its financial systems and mobile money infrastructure.

The two countries also explored partnerships in climate action and sustainable development, with emphasis on bioeconomy, digitisation and green growth. These areas were highlighted as key drivers for future economic cooperation and job creation.

Diaspora engagement

Mudavadi reiterated that the government continues to strengthen diaspora engagement through improved consular services and labour agreements. He said the diaspora remains central to Kenya’s development agenda, particularly through remittance inflows that support households and contribute to foreign exchange stability.

The engagement also underscored the government’s focus on linking diaspora skills and expertise with national development priorities, including entrepreneurship and innovation. Officials noted that structured diaspora programmes are expected to enhance investment flows and deepen Kenya’s global partnerships.

The Helsinki meeting followed earlier engagements during the European tour in Norway and Belgium, where Kenya secured additional cooperation agreements in labour, investment and sustainable development. The government said the continued diplomatic outreach is aimed at expanding opportunities for Kenyans abroad while strengthening economic ties with partner countries.

The visit concluded with commitments to deepen collaboration between Kenya and Finland, with diaspora participation identified as a key pillar in advancing shared economic and development goals.