Thousands of South Sudan nationals living in Kenya and USA have called on the government of South Sudan to ensure conducive working and living conditions for Kenyans in Jubaland.
Speaking at Ingobor area in Nakuru during the official opening of a Ksh 0.5 billion housing project built through their center piece global partners initiative, the south Sudan national noted that it was only important for the government of South Sudan to extend a hand of friendship to Kenyans as a reciprocation of the manner in which they have been accorded homely welcome and stay in Kenya.
Gabriel Maketh who is one of the founders of the center piece global partners initiative said that even after years of political turmoil in Jubaland; they found a shoulder to lean on in Kenya adding that most of the initiative members are former refugees at the Kakuma camp.
“We have had good friends in Kenya and that is why we are even able to invest here.The government of South Sudan should also reciprocate the same to our brothers and sisters from Kenya who are living in Jubaland”
Joseph Diing who is also a founder of the initiative said that unlike before when they faced harassment from the police and government administrators, they have now been embraced thus their decision to put up investments in the country.
He said that completion of the huge investment is a testimony that despite facing rejection in their motherland, citizens can find refuge in foreign countries and invest there .
Diing pointed out that Kenyans living and working in Jubaland were facing many challenges ranging from taxation to infrastructure and there is need to have the same addressed in order to boost their investments in the country.
“The government of South Sudan should now look into a way of addressing the challenges facing Kenyans who are living in Jubaland” said Diing.
The event was also graced by Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr.Erick Korir who represented Governor Lee Kinyanjui.
While echoing sentiments by the investors, he said the county government of Nakuru will repair the road leading to the project in order to attract more investors in the area.
He lauded the South Sudan nationals living in Kenya for retaining their culture despite having lived in Kenya for many years.
“It is good that despite your many years in Kenya, you have continued to embrace your rich culture. As a county government, we shall improve the infrastructure in this area to ensure more investors” said Korir.