2026 AKDOI TRADE & INVESTMENT SUMMIT (PART 1)

The 2026 Diaspora Trade & Investment Summit in Atlanta, Georgia brings together Kenyans in the Diaspora, Kenyans at home, and fellow African immigrants in the United States to engage with business, political, and government leaders in pursuit of shared economic, social, and political progress. This is a timely opportunity for the Diaspora community to strengthen its economic, social, and political voice as broad and active participants in decisions that affect our collective future. Although our rich ability to help transform Kenya and Africa is sometimes fragmented, we share common hurdles and challenges such as economy, public infrastructure, manufacturing, education, finance, and healthcare. To support this, we have created platforms and frameworks to harness our shared strengths and partner with government, American and Kenyan businesses, and other stakeholders to help strengthen Kenya’s economy. The Summit serves as a launchpad for broader economic development by fostering collaboration among the Kenyan Diaspora, business leaders, and government officials in both the United States and Kenya. This year’s theme is “The Diaspora – The Catalyst for Renewal and Growth.”We encourage you to use this opportunity to build partnerships and initiatives that advance our shared welfare and contribute to regional development. The Kenyan Diaspora’s role in the country’s economic, political, and social development has grown significantly as more Kenyans have moved abroad. Often referred to as the “48th County,” the Diaspora is recognized for its major economic contribution, particularly through annual remittances. In fact, it is widely seen as the most consistent “County” based on the funds sent back to Kenya each year. These remittances have become a key driver of economic growth. For example, more than 300,000 Kenyans in the United States remit an estimated $2.73 billion annually. Overall, Kenyans in the Diaspora remit about $5 billion, equal to roughly 6% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the Central Bank of Kenya, remittances rose more than fourfold over the past decade—from US $833 million (KSH 72.5 billion) in 2004 to US $5.93 billion (KSH 203 billion) in 2023. This impact is expected to continue growing, making the Diaspora an increasingly important driver of Kenya’s economy for the foreseeable future. In the wake of the prolonged 2022 general elections and the 2024–2025 Gen Z-led protests over declining economic opportunities in Kenya and the region, Kenyans at home and abroad have increasingly recognized that we are one extended national family. As the country moves toward the next general elections in August 2027, the Diaspora’s participation in the political process - including voting, remains essential. We must have a seat at the table and a meaningful voice in the country’s governance. At the same time, we must build on our collective economic strength and create a solid foundation for advancing our shared economic, political, and social interests. Kenyans in the Diaspora are becoming more aware of opportunities before them and are eager to contribute to the country’s development agenda. Our renewed purpose is to establish a formal institutional framework for channeling diaspora-generated capital into investment across Kenya’s diverse economy. #akidoisummit2026 #diasporasummit2026 #kurunzinews