Rachel Ruto engages with Kenyan women in Beijing
First Lady Rachel Ruto met with Kenyan women professionals working in Beijing, China on Wednesday.
In the meeting, Rachel Ruto highlighted the crucial role of diaspora members in sharing their skills and knowledge with Kenyans, especially young entrepreneurs, to create pathways for Kenyans to benefit from opportunities in China.
“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, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or connecting Kenyans to opportunities here in China,” she said.
She urged professionals to use their skills, knowledge and connections to help Kenya grow by investing directly or starting mentorship programs.
“I encouraged them to use their expertise, experience, and networks to support our nation-building efforts through investing in Kenya,” she wrote on her X account.
This engagement marks a significant initiative to involve the diaspora in Kenya’s national development and is a key element of President William Ruto’s official visit to China. The First Lady also intends to partner with various organisations to improve the lives of children and to position Kenya as a leading tourist attraction.
Mrs. Rachel Ruto’s schedule also includes attending a session hosted by Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan on behalf of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development. This event aims to boost women’s empowerment by focusing on education, in line with the developmental goals of both Kenya and China.
The initiative supports the Kenyan government comprehensive approach to engage the diaspora in contributing to the country’s progress. The government acknowledges the diaspora’s potential to fuel economic growth through investments and knowledge transfer.
The First Lady and former Prime Minister accompanied President William Ruto who is attending the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in China. This event aims to strengthen the relationship between China and Africa and identify new opportunities for cooperation.
Ruto is set to negotiate multi-million-dollar agreements with China, with a focus on healthcare, trade, technology and infrastructure. Raila will be meeting with African leaders to seek their support for his bid for the African Union chairman position.
Ruto met with six presidents on Wednesday including Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, Assimi Goita of Mali, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo and Mahamat Idriss Deby of Chad.
They talked about bilateral affairs and Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission chair. He added that the African Union Commission is a critical institution and it requires an effective, knowledgeable and experienced leader such as Raila Odinga.
Kenya anticipates securing agreements on projects such as the construction of rural roads, the Nairobi Intelligent Transportation System and the Bosto Dam Water Supply Project. The talks will also focus on completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), widening the Nairobi Northern Bypass and establishing a pharmaceutical park.
