Members of the Kalenjin Community in diaspora convened in Houston City, USA, to celebrate 22 years of unity in an event titled Gotabgaa meaning homestead.
Speaking to Chams Media, the community, comprising of former Kenyan athletes awarded scholarships to the US, revealed that the event's plan was to inspire, connect and economically empower its members through education, networking, investment opportunities and cultural awareness.
According to the conference's president, Janeth Rutto, part of their projects involved purchasing an apartment complex worth Ksh207 million ($ 1.5 million) in Minnesota, USA.
"Currently, we are to set up an apartment complex worth $1.5 million in Minnesota reserved for Gotabgaa members. For you to get access to this apartment and buy shares, you have to be a member," she stated.
"We are yet to go back home but we have our sponsors for every Annual General Meeting (AGM) that come and talk to individuals. So many have gone back home and invested and soon we will do it as a community," Janet responded to the query on whether they are investing in Kenya.
Minnesota is considered a great place to invest in real estate, offering a strong job market and lots of business growth.
The 2023 edition was attended by several leaders including Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Mosop MP Abraham Kirwa and President William Ruto's younger brother, David Ruto.
During his speech, David urged the former athletes to seize the opportunity and capitalise on the resources to nurture their talents in their respective industries.
"If I tell you about my consulting fee, I think you will collapse, but when you are the best at what you do and people see the value, you can ask for top dollar. That is why I want to challenge you. Whether you are a psychologist or teacher, be the best at what you do," Ruto stated.
Founding member Peter Rono, who moved to the US through an athletic scholarship, recounted the genesis of the conference dating back to 1993.
"A colleague and I wondered how we should unite our people in a foreign country. We reached out to people via email in the early 1990s and currently, we have been here for 22 years," Rono stated.
The annual forum, which consists of over 3,000 members, involves music, dance, meals, excursions, panel discussions and modelling contests among others.
The 2023 theme comprised the cultural crossroads where they discussed mental health, scholarships and partnerships. Prolific leaders including President Ruto graced the event in North Carolina in 2005.
