Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has held talks with Kenyans living and working in Boston, Massachusetts, as he continues his extended tour of the United States.
Gachagua said his discussions with the Kenyan diaspora focused on concerns about the country’s economic and governance situation, including youth unemployment and the environment for investors.
In a post shared on Saturday, October 3, Gachagua wrote that many Kenyans he had met during his tour were concerned about the direction of the country and believed significant changes were necessary.
“They believe that bold, far-reaching change is needed to address youth unemployment, a growing challenge that threatens our country’s future,” Gachagua said.
“Many are ready to invest in Kenya and help create jobs, but investor confidence depends on a determined fight against corruption and respect for the rule of law.”
The former Deputy President made the remarks after engaging Kenyans in the Boston area, including during discussions in Westford, Massachusetts.
He said the engagement provided an opportunity to exchange views on Kenya’s future and discuss how the diaspora could contribute to national development.
“During our engagement in Westford, Massachusetts, we had insightful discussions about Kenya’s future,” he said.
He also reiterated his stated commitment to what he described as resetting the country and restoring its constitutional foundations.
“I have reaffirmed my commitment to helping reset our country and restore its constitutional foundations, so we can rebuild the trust and confidence Kenya once enjoyed,” Gachagua said.
His Boston engagement is part of a wider US tour that has taken him through several states since September.
He arrived in Boston on October 1 after concluding engagements in Texas, where he had also met Kenyans and other stakeholders. His published itinerary places him in Massachusetts through October 9.
Before arriving in Boston, Gachagua said Kenyans living abroad had demonstrated skills and resilience that could contribute to Kenya’s development.
“Kenyans daring abroad and succeeding is a testament to the talent, resilience, and ingenuity we have at home,” he said in an earlier statement on his Boston visit.
He said the skills and experiences acquired by Kenyans in the diaspora could be useful in strengthening the management of national resources and creating wealth.
“We should never take them for granted; their skills and insight can play a vital role in managing our resources and building our nation’s wealth,” he said.
Gachagua was accompanied during the Boston engagements by his wife, Rev Dorcas Rigathi, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, popularly known as Mejja Donk.
Gachagua, while in Boston, indicated that he would continue consulting Kenyans living abroad, emphasising the role he believes the diaspora can play in Kenya’s development.
“By working in partnership with our diaspora, we will move our country further through technology transfer and inventions,” he wrote.
“Together, we will continue building a stronger and united country, Kenya.”
