Kenya Hosts Virtual Investment Forum for Gulf Diaspora Today
State Department for Diaspora Affairs launches webinar this evening targeting Kenyans in Gulf states, introducing government support programmes for diaspora-led investment in agribusiness, real estate, technology and man
Kenya's State Department for Diaspora Affairs will host a virtual investment forum this evening at 5:00 p.m. Gulf time for Kenyans living across Gulf countries, in partnership with the Embassy of Kenya in Abu Dhabi.
The webinar aims to introduce diaspora investors to the Diaspora Investment Support Office (DISO) and outline opportunities in priority sectors including agribusiness, real estate, technology and manufacturing. Officials will explain how DISO connects diaspora investors with government institutions and provides support through regulatory procedures, access to information, and investment protection measures.
Shifting from remittances to investment
The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to channel diaspora remittances into long-term investments that support economic development, rather than short-term consumption. Kenya's newly launched Diaspora Investment Strategy (2025–2030) aims to increase both the quantity and quality of diaspora investment in support of inclusive development.
The Gulf region hosts a large Kenyan diaspora community whose remittances contribute significantly to household incomes and community projects across Kenya. In 2025, Kenyans abroad sent home a record USD 5.04 billion, according to the Central Bank of Kenya—more than the country earns from tea, coffee and tourism combined.
Priority sectors and support mechanisms
The session will allow participants to engage directly with officials, raise concerns and seek clarification on investment opportunities. The strategy identifies priority sectors with strong potential for diaspora investment, including technology and innovation, agriculture and agribusiness, renewable energy, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, the digital superhighway and the creative economy.
DISO was established to provide guidance on regulatory procedures, access to information and investment protection measures. The office represents a shift toward structured diaspora engagement, following the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs in 2022 and the launch of the National Diaspora Policy in 2024.
The forum is open to all Kenyans living in Gulf countries, with registration required to receive joining details.
Reporting drawn from Mwakilishi, Commonwealth, State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
