Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has called on Kenyans living and working abroad to invest more in their home country and use their influence to demand good leadership and accountability.
Mwangangi made the remarks in Chicago, United States, during a meeting with Kenyans and other East Africans in the diaspora. The meeting took place alongside a programme discussing illiberal democracy and its global impact.
He said Kenyans in the diaspora are among the country’s most important partners in development and should play a bigger role in shaping Kenya’s economic future. While acknowledging the importance of remittances, he urged them to go beyond sending money home and instead invest in long-term projects.
The Deputy Governor highlighted Machakos County as a prime investment destination. He said the county’s close location to Nairobi and key transport infrastructure gives it a major advantage. These include the Standard Gauge Railway, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the busy Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.
According to Mwangangi, these transport links make Machakos ideal for manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics businesses. Investors can easily move raw materials and finished goods by road, rail, or air, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
He encouraged Kenyans abroad to act as ambassadors for the country by promoting investment opportunities and helping attract foreign investors to Kenya. He said diaspora networks can play a key role in linking Kenya to global markets.
Mwangangi also challenged diaspora Kenyans to actively demand good governance from leaders back home. He said development cannot happen without accountable leadership and strong institutions.
“Don’t just send money home. Invest in Kenya. That is how Africa will grow,” he said. He added that developed countries succeeded because leaders focused on serving the people, and citizens held them accountable.
The Deputy Governor’s message comes at a time when Kenya is seeking increased private investment to boost job creation, industrial growth, and economic stability.
