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Ruto Vows to Boost Diaspora Remittances
During the official launch of Bunge Towers, President William Ruto expressed the nation’s commitment to significantly increasing diaspora remittances from $4 billion (Sh540 billion) to $10 billion (Sh1.3 trillion) within the next seven years. The president emphasized the importance of tapping into the potential of Kenyans abroad to bolster the country’s economy.
Addressing lawmakers at the event, President Ruto underscored the government’s efforts to establish bilateral labor agreements aimed at generating more job opportunities for Kenyans overseas. He urged collaboration between legislators and relevant ministries to develop a conducive framework for facilitating employment opportunities for Kenyan citizens.
“It is my intention that in the next five to seven years, we should increase our diaspora remittances from $4 billion to $10 billion. It will go a long way in ensuring that more Kenyans have the income that supports our economy,” stated President Ruto, highlighting the economic significance of boosting remittances.
President Ruto has been actively engaged in negotiations to secure bilateral labor agreements, which he believes are crucial in the fight against poverty in Kenya. He disclosed previous agreements with leading American tech companies, including Amazon, Intel, and Google, during his US-Kenya roadshow, with expectations of creating numerous digital job opportunities for Kenyan youth.
Furthermore, President Ruto revealed discussions with German officials, citing commitments to provide job opportunities for Kenyan citizens. He also mentioned engagements with Saudi Arabia and France, emphasizing the global efforts to address youth unemployment in Kenya.
Ruto reiterated the pivotal role of youth employment in alleviating the rising cost of living and pledged to continue advocating for international labor agreements to benefit the Kenyan populace.
Utamaduni Day Renamed to Mazingira Day
Kenya’s Utamaduni Day, a public holiday previously celebrated on October 10th, has been renamed Mazingira Day. President William Ruto assented to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendment Bill) 2024, which enacted this change.
The bill, sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, aims to amend various provisions across sixteen Acts of Parliament, including the Public Holidays Act. This change reflects the government’s prioritization of environmental protection and conservation efforts.
Going forward, Mazingira Day will be observed on October 10th each year. The day will focus on encouraging Kenyans to participate in environmental conservation activities, such as tree planting. This aligns with the government’s broader goals of accelerating forest restoration and combating climate change.
The bill also strengthens the Office of the Attorney-General (AG) by establishing an Advisory Board. This board will aid the AG’s office in fulfilling its constitutional duties by recruiting and recommending qualified candidates for Deputy Solicitor-General and State Counsel positions.
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