Kenyans in the diaspora are calling on the Government to offer tax reliefs for those wishing to invest back home. They are also appealing to financial companies to reach out to them to support their efforts of investing in the country.
Speaking in Canada during a recent property and investment expo organised by Kenyan real estate firms, delegates said the diaspora population have a very important role to play in growing the local economy. “We are willing to invest back home but we would like to deal with reputable and trustworthy organisations.
We would also like to engage with more financial institutions that can tailor their products to suit us,” said Mr John Mwangi.
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During the expo, which was attended by three hundred Kenyans, there were presentations by local firms on tax implications for Kenyans in the diaspora, who own property in Kenya.
“We are equipping them with good information and teaming the Kenyans abroad with the right companies. We have also taken note of the fact that many East Africans abroad are actually purchasing property in Kenya and we want to cast our net wider into the East African real estate and financial markets,” said Faith Mwaura, the RE/MAX franchise holder in Kenya, who organised the expo.
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Among the exhibitors were the National Housing Corporation, Higher Educations Loans Board, Kings Pride, Ukulima Sacco and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Grace Njine from Ukulima Sacco said they intend to open a branch to bring services closer to many Kenyans who live in Canada to support them in investing in Kenya more conveniently.
She added that they would organize more expos in London, Geneva Australia. The event was also attended by Kenyan’s High Commissioner to Ottawa John Lanyasunya.
