Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to address concerns raised by Kenyans living abroad, including double taxation, while promising to tap into the expertise of professionals in the diaspora if his political camp takes power next year.
Gachagua said Kenyans living outside the country play a critical role in Kenya’s economic development and should have a greater role in shaping the country’s future.
He said a government led by his team would prioritise bringing back experienced Kenyan professionals working abroad, particularly those in the health sector and economic recovery.
“Our new government, coming into office next year, will prioritize attracting the most experienced professionals abroad, especially in the fields of health and economic recovery—to return home and contribute their expertise,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President spoke after engaging Kenyans living in Portland, Oregon, where he said he listened to concerns affecting the diaspora community.
Among the key issues raised was double taxation, with diaspora Kenyans expressing concern over being taxed both in Kenya and in their countries of residence.
Gachagua said the matter required a fair taxation framework that would take into account the significant contribution of diaspora remittances to Kenya’s economy.
“It is essential that we establish a fair and mutually beneficial taxation mechanism, considering that foreign remittances are among Kenya’s most significant sources of foreign income,” he said.
Diaspora remittances have become an important source of foreign exchange for Kenya, supporting households and contributing to the country’s external financial position.
Gachagua also identified the United States as a key market for Kenya’s tourism sector, saying Kenyans living abroad could play a role in promoting the country as a tourist destination.
He pledged that his proposed government would work with the diaspora, including cultural ambassadors, to market Kenya internationally through diplomatic and commercial initiatives.
“Additionally, the United States offers enormous potential for tourism,” Gachagua said. “I assure you that our new government will actively collaborate with Kenyans abroad, including cultural ambassadors, to promote Kenya as a premier tourist destination through strategic diplomatic and commercial initiatives,” he added.
Gachagua said continued engagement with Kenyans living abroad would be central to his administration’s development agenda. “Our ongoing engagement with the diaspora will be a cornerstone of our progress,” he said.
His remarks come as political leaders intensify engagement with Kenyans abroad ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the diaspora increasingly viewed as an important constituency because of its economic contribution and professional expertise. Gachagua said his administration would seek to build stronger links between Kenya and its citizens abroad while creating mechanisms for them to c
ontribute to national development.