Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

First Lady Rachel Ruto has called on Kenyans living abroad to leverage their expertise, experience, and networks to support Kenya’s development.

During her visit to China, Rachel met with Kenyan women professionals residing and working in Beijing and described Kenyans abroad as goodwill ambassadors who act as vital links between the country and the rest of the world.

Rachel Ruto emphasis

Rachel emphasized the importance of the Kenyan diaspora in driving innovation and transferring skills, knowledge, and technology back to Kenya.

“The Kenyans in the diaspora are our goodwill ambassadors and a link between Kenya and the world. They play a critical role in transferring skills, knowledge, and technology back to Kenya. They are drivers of innovation, introducing new ideas and practices that contribute to our Nation’s growth and transformation,” she shared on her X account on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

She further encouraged them to support nation-building by investing in Kenya, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and connecting them with opportunities in China.

“I encouraged them to use their expertise, experience, and networks to support our nation-building efforts through investing in Kenya, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or connecting Kenyans to opportunities here in China,” Rachel added.

Rachel is in China accompanying President William Ruto, who is attending the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit.

FOCAC

The summit, which has commenced, is focused on shaping the strategic partnership between China and Africa in the post-COVID era, amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The summit’s key topics include climate and energy, with a focus on sustainable development, as well as digital and technology cooperation to help bridge Africa’s digital divide.

Historically, FOCAC has led to significant financial commitments for projects across Africa in infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing.