Kenyans living in the United States have been advised by DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua to remain abroad for the time being, as he questioned the opportunities and basic services available to citizens back home.
Speaking to Kenyans in Oregon on Friday night, Gachagua said those living in the US should not be in a hurry to return to Kenya, arguing that the country was facing serious challenges under the current leadership.
“Don’t be in a hurry to come back to Kenya. Pale si kuzuri,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President encouraged Kenyans in the diaspora to support others who are looking for opportunities to move abroad, saying jobs and other opportunities remained limited in Kenya.Gachagua also criticised the government over its approach to learning from other countries.
He argued that officials often travel abroad on benchmarking trips to find solutions to problems that could be addressed by Kenyans living outside the country.
According to Gachagua, the government should instead engage Kenyans in the diaspora and make use of their skills, experience and knowledge to address challenges facing the country.
He pointed to drainage and flooding as an example. Gachagua said he had observed that heavy rainfall in parts of the US does not always lead to the flooding commonly witnessed in Kenya.
He attributed the difference to better drainage systems, noting that even relatively short periods of heavy rain can cause flooding in Kenyan towns and cities.
The DCP leader also raised concerns about healthcare, saying challenges in the sector were another reason he would advise Kenyans abroad not to rush back home.
Gachagua further compared devolution in the US with Kenya, saying the system was working better in the US while falling short of its intended goals in Kenya.
His remarks came during his ongoing tour of the United States, which began on August 26.
Before leaving Kenya, Gachagua said the trip would give him an opportunity to engage Kenyans living in the diaspora.
