Kenyans living in the United States want President William Ruto to leave his planned September visit with a clear understanding of the challenges facing the diaspora, as they push for more consulates, stronger political representation and a permanent channel for engagement with the government.
The diaspora group, led by Diaspora Affairs Strategist Danson Mukile, has listed a number of issues it wants addressed if Ruto meets Kenyans in the US during his planned trip to New York. The meeting is expected to happen on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, although State House has not officially confirmed the engagement.
The proposed meeting comes at a time when Kenyans abroad are taking a more active interest in national affairs, with political discussions increasing both in person and online ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The group says the political activity has grown beyond occasional gatherings whenever Kenyan leaders visit the US. Weekly virtual town halls and online forums involving political figures opposed to Ruto have also become part of the growing conversation among Kenyans abroad.
“The diaspora political conversation is no longer occasional. It is happening every week—both physically and virtually,” the group said.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to be in the US around the same period and plans to engage Kenyans in several states as he builds his political campaign.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has also announced a US tour starting September 17, with meetings expected to take place in different states.
According to the diaspora group, the planned visits by Gachagua and Maraga, together with regular online forums, show that political leaders are paying greater attention to Kenyans living abroad as the 2027 election draws closer.
However, the group says an engagement between Ruto and the diaspora should not be reduced to political speeches. It wants the President to address practical issues that have affected Kenyans living in the US for years.
A key demand is the expansion of Kenya's consular presence in the United States.
Kenyans are now living in many parts of the country, including Texas, Minnesota, Georgia, Colorado, Washington State, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The group says the spread of the diaspora has made it difficult for some citizens to access government services because they have to travel long distances to reach consular offices.
It wants the government to establish additional consulates so that Kenyans can receive services closer to where they live while reducing the time and money spent travelling for assistance.
The group is also seeking clear information on the government's plans for new consulates, including the locations being considered, the progress already made and when the new offices are expected to become operational.
Diaspora representation in national decision-making is another concern.
The group says Kenyans abroad play an important role in the country's economy through remittances, investments, family support, professional connections and the sharing of skills and knowledge. It argues that this contribution should be matched by a more organised role for the diaspora in matters affecting the country.
The proposed Diaspora Council is therefore among the issues the group wants discussed with Ruto.
It says the council could provide a permanent structure through which the government engages Kenyans abroad instead of depending on occasional meetings during visits by senior officials.
“A properly constituted and functional Diaspora Council could provide a permanent institutional mechanism for engaging Kenyans abroad, rather than relying on occasional meetings whenever senior government officials travel overseas.”
According to the group, such a body would create a steady link between the government and the diaspora, while giving Kenyans abroad a way to share their expertise and take part in policy discussions.
The group also wants the government to look at the contribution of Kenyans abroad beyond remittances and elections.
Kenyans in the US include investors, business owners, employers, professionals, researchers and technology experts who, according to the group, have skills and resources that could support Kenya's economic and social development.
It wants the proposed engagement to cover areas such as development, investment, trade, technology and education, as well as ways Kenyans abroad can take part more directly in the country's development.
Politics is also expected to feature prominently as the 2027 election approaches.
Ruto's supporters in the US want an opportunity to hear directly from the President, raise issues affecting their communities and understand his plans for the diaspora and the country.
The group says Ruto does not have to respond to every opposition meeting or online discussion, but should maintain direct contact with Kenyans who support his administration and those who want to assess its record and future plans.
It says the proposed meeting should result in clear action rather than speeches and photographs.
“Kenyans will want to know what is happening with additional consulates. They will want clarity on diaspora representation in Parliament. They will want to know whether and when a Diaspora Council will become operational. They will want to discuss voting, consular services, investment and broader participation in national development,” the group maintained.
“They will be looking for commitments, timelines and action.”
The diaspora group believes a meeting with Ruto could help create a different and more structured relationship between the government and Kenyans living abroad if the discussions result in specific commitments and follow-up.
With political leaders stepping up their outreach to Kenyans in the US ahead of the 2027 election, the group says Ruto's planned September visit offers an opportunity for the President to listen to their concerns and set out how his administration intends to work with the diaspora.
State House has, however, yet to officially confirm that the meeting between Ruto and Kenyans in the US will take place.