The Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, has praised the vibrant Kenyan community in Guernsey, Channel Islands, for their resilience, industriousness, and dedication to improving their livelihoods and contributing to community development.
During his engagement on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Standing Committee (CSPOC) meeting in Guernsey, Wetang’ula highlighted the significant role of over 500 Kenyan expatriates in enhancing the socio-economic fabric of the island, particularly in sectors like finance, hospitality, and education.
“It is truly inspiring to learn that Guernsey, with a population of around 65,000 residents, is home to such a dedicated and hardworking Kenyan diaspora. Their seamless integration into local society, while staying connected to their roots, speaks volumes about their commitment and optimism,” said Wetang’ula.
As part of his two-day official visit, Wetang’ula commended the community’s efforts to uplift Kenya’s profile internationally and invest in their home country.
He reaffirmed the Kenyan government’s commitment to supporting its diaspora, citing it as a key pillar of national growth and foreign policy.
“When I served as Foreign Minister, I championed the diaspora as key ambassadors for Kenya. You continue to represent and market Kenya on the global stage, and your contributions directly align with our national development strategy,” Wetang’ula noted.
The Speaker was warmly received by Ms. Catherine Wanyoike, Chairperson of the Kenyan Community in Guernsey, who expressed her gratitude for Wetang’ula’s visit.
She also took the opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by the diaspora, particularly in securing long-term visas that would facilitate deeper integration and sustainable development.
Wetang’ula assured the community that their concerns, especially regarding visa policies and integration issues, would be addressed.
“We will work closely with the Kenyan Mission in London to ensure that these challenges are resolved,” he promised.
Amb. Catherine Karemu, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, also pledged support for the community, underscoring her office’s commitment to facilitating the Kenyan diaspora’s welfare in Guernsey.
“This engagement underscores the Government of Kenya’s unwavering support for its citizens abroad,” Wetang’ula concluded.
“The contributions of the Kenyan diaspora are invaluable to the nation, and we are committed to fostering stronger ties and enhancing opportunities for investment and growth both here and at home.”
The discussions also centered on ways to improve collaboration between Kenya and its diaspora, ensuring more robust support systems and policies to address their needs and enhance their success abroad.
Accompanying the Speaker on this visit were Mr. Jeremiah Ndombi, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, and Mr. Benson Milimo, Chief of Staff in the Speaker’s Office.
This engagement marks a significant step in deepening Kenya’s diplomatic ties with its expatriate communities, reinforcing their role in the country’s development and global presence.
