KDA Chairperson Dr. Shem Ochuodho. Photo/Courtesy
By Correspondent
NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), a leading body championing the interests of Kenyans living abroad, has announced plans to develop a strategic investment blueprint that will guide both local and international investors in identifying viable opportunities across key economic sectors.
KDA Chairperson Dr. Shem Ochuodho revealed that the blueprint will emerge from the upcoming 12th Annual Kenya Diaspora Homecoming Convention, scheduled for December in Nairobi. The event, themed “Cooperative Models for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development,” will focus on promoting cooperative-driven investments that align with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
A roadmap for inclusive development
According to Dr. Ochuodho, the meeting will culminate in the Cooperative Engagement Action Plan (CEAP-2025) — a collaborative and actionable roadmap outlining strategies, partnership frameworks, and policy recommendations to enhance cooperative-led development in Kenya.
“The Convention aims to produce a practical blueprint that will strengthen the cooperative movement’s role in driving economic growth, employment, and community empowerment,” he said.
Expected outcomes from the meeting include increased diaspora investments in Kenya’s cooperative sector and stronger partnerships between the diaspora, government, and private players.
Driving investments in key sectors
KDA noted that particular focus will be placed on housing, agribusiness, fintech, and empowerment for women and youth. “We want to increase awareness and adoption of cooperative models across these sectors to drive sustainable change,” added Dr. Ochuodho.
The convention will bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, academia, and private investors, to deliberate on how cooperative principles can unlock Kenya’s full economic potential.
Aligning with global priorities
This year’s theme resonates with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, underlining the global relevance of Kenya’s approach. KDA says the convention will also explore how diaspora-led or supported cooperative ventures can create inclusive economic systems.
Remittances from Kenyans abroad hit USD 4.94 billion (Ksh 640 billion) in 2025, reaffirming their critical contribution to national development. The Alliance believes channeling part of these funds through cooperatives could spur large-scale, community-centered growth.
Leveraging the diaspora advantage
Dr. Ochuodho emphasized that Kenya’s cooperative movement already has a rich history of collective empowerment, especially in finance, agriculture, and housing. “As the country advances BETA, cooperatives offer a strong platform for sustainable and inclusive economic progress,” he said.
He added that diaspora communities bring more than financial capital — they also contribute global expertise, innovation, and networks that can drive Kenya’s socioeconomic transformation.
By directing remittances through frameworks such as SACCOs, investment groups, and joint ventures, the KDA envisions a system that promotes shared prosperity, innovation, and long-term resilience.
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