The Kenyan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has launched a fresh drive to encourage Kenyans living in the United Arab Emirates to register for a new diaspora investment directory, an initiative aimed at connecting overseas investors with business opportunities in Kenya while strengthening their role in the country's economic growth.
The registration exercise is being led by the Diaspora Investment Support Office (DISO), which operates under the State Department for Diaspora Affairs. It seeks to create a database of Kenyans abroad who are interested in investing in Kenya, making it easier to connect them with local businesses, investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.
According to the embassy, the investment directory is expected to provide a structured platform that brings together diaspora investors and Kenyan entrepreneurs through partnerships, mentorship programmes and investment matching across sectors considered important for the country's long-term development.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the embassy called on Kenyans living in the UAE to take part in the initiative under the theme, "Let's Build. Invest. Grow Kenya - Together."
The notice said DISO is working to connect diaspora investors and Kenyan business leaders by facilitating partnerships, mentorship and matching investment opportunities in areas that have the potential to drive economic growth while deepening engagement between Kenya and its citizens living abroad.
The sectors targeted under the programme include agribusiness, manufacturing, technology and innovation, real estate and infrastructure, financial services, trade and commerce, as well as tourism and hospitality.
To be included in the investment directory, interested Kenyans have been asked to provide their full names, email addresses, telephone contacts, city of residence within the UAE, preferred investment sector and the type of partnership they would like to pursue.
Applicants are also required to indicate whether they are interested in equity investment, joint ventures, mentorship, advisory roles or other forms of collaboration.
The embassy encouraged eligible Kenyans to take advantage of the opportunity, saying the initiative is designed to strengthen links between overseas investors and businesses operating in Kenya.
"Let's Build. Invest. Grow Kenya - Together. DISO connects diaspora investors and Kenyan business leaders through partnerships, mentorship, and matching of investment opportunities in key sectors: agribusiness, manufacturing, technology and innovation, real estate and infrastructure, financial services, trade and commerce, tourism and hospitality."
The embassy said all the required information should be submitted through its official email address to support the establishment of a comprehensive investment network for Kenyans living in the UAE.
Officials say the initiative is expected to create clear and organised channels through which diaspora investors can identify business opportunities, build partnerships and contribute to Kenya's development.
The campaign also reflects the government's continued efforts to position the Kenyan diaspora as an important source of investment, skills, expertise and international business connections that can support economic growth and job creation.
In its appeal, the embassy urged Kenyans living in the UAE to play an active role in the country's development by taking part in the programme and exploring available investment opportunities.
"Invest in Kenya. Invest in Impact. Together, we can unlock opportunities, empower communities, and advance Kenya's development. Your investment today, Kenya's prosperity tomorrow."
Once completed, the registration exercise is expected to establish a database of Kenyan investors in the UAE that will support future engagement between diaspora entrepreneurs, government agencies and businesses in Kenya, while helping expand investment, create employment opportunities and support sustainable economic growth.