DCP Party to create nomination slots for Diaspora candidates
By Nancy Marende, July 19, 2025The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has announced plans to create nomination slots for Kenyans living abroad, in a move aimed at enhancing inclusivity and recognising the role of the diaspora in national development.
Speaking during an interview in Boston on Saturday, July 19, 2025, DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua stated that the party intends to open various opportunities within the consulates to ensure the diaspora has a stake in national leadership.
“The DCP Party is committed to inclusivity and will create nomination slots for diaspora candidates. We also intend to open up various opportunities within consulates to ensure our people abroad have a stake in national leadership and service,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated that the DCP part has plans to ensure its investments are safeguarded under its leadership.
“Under our new leadership, we have clear plans for the diaspora, ranging from tax incentives to firm assurances that their investments will be safe and fully protected. The diaspora will no longer be sidelined; they are a vital part of our national growth,’ he said.
Diaspora remittances
According to a Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) bulletin, Kenyans living and working abroad sent home Ksh54.68 billion in June 2025 in remittances, marking a 13.8 per cent rise compared to the same period last year.
The 12-month cumulative inflows to June 2025 increased by 12.1 per cent to Ksh657.30 billion, compared to Ksh586.15 billion in a similar period in 2024.
However, the June 2025 inflows represent a drop of at least Ksh2.2 billion from May, when money sent by Kenyans living and working abroad hit a new high of Ksh56.9 billion, the highest monthly figure recorded so far this year.
The new record set in May surpassed January’s total of Ksh55.2 billion, which had been the highest in the past five months.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, remittances remain a key source of foreign exchange and continue to play a vital role in supporting the country’s balance of payments.
The United States remained the leading source of diaspora remittances to Kenya, contributing Ksh31.63 billion, which accounted for 57.8 percent of the total inflows in June 2025.
Europe followed with Ksh10.36 billion (18.9 per cent), while other regions, including the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, collectively contributed Ksh12.67 billion (23.2 per cent).
Since 2015, diaspora remittances have emerged as Kenya’s leading source of foreign exchange, surpassing traditional earners such as tourism, foreign direct investment, and key agricultural exports like tea and horticulture.
Remittances have played a crucial role in supporting household consumption and driving investments in key sectors such as real estate, education, and healthcare.