The Kenyan diaspora community has emerged as a potent force, wielding significant economic and social influence that Kenya cannot afford to overlook.
With a diaspora population exceeding three million, their contributions in terms of financial remittances and expertise are increasingly pivotal. Despite their substantial numbers and impact, there is a lack of a unified platform to address the common issues they face.
“A centralized body would enable us to leverage the full potential of diaspora contributions, which extend beyond mere financial aid to encompass social support,” remarked a spokesperson.
One of the proposals put forth by a Technical Working Group comprising Kenyan expatriates from various regions is the establishment of a Diaspora Community Council. This proposal, among three others, was presented to the Hon. Mizighi-led Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Committee of the National Assembly on April 30.
During a virtual meeting, the group’s Chair, Danson Mukile from Dallas, US, underscored the importance of creating such a council.
“While efforts to establish umbrella organizations within individual countries are commendable, they lack the inclusivity needed to address the concerns of all Kenyan expatriates,” he emphasized.
Mukile highlighted that similar councils exist in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, the US, India, UK, France, and Australia.The envisioned role of the Diaspora Council includes advising the Cabinet Secretary on matters concerning the diaspora, coordinating with relevant ministries, identifying opportunities for diaspora members to contribute to national development, and facilitating job search initiatives.
Additionally, the proposal addresses issues surrounding diaspora voting rights and dual citizenship. It calls for legislative amendments to enable diaspora participation in Kenya’s democratic processes and a reassessment of the restrictions on dual citizenship.
The Chair expressed disappointment with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the slow implementation of diaspora voting rights, citing logistical challenges and a lack of legal framework.
The proposal advocates for the incorporation of biometric technology to ensure the integrity of diaspora votes and suggests mobile registration setups to alleviate the burden of accessing polling centers.
Furthermore, it calls for revisions to laws that restrict dual citizens from certain state positions and proposes the repeal of punitive sanctions for non-disclosure of dual citizenship.
The group emphasized that the current limitations on dual citizenship hinder the full participation of Kenyan expatriates in public life, contrasting with practices in other countries like the UK and the US, where dual citizens hold significant roles in government and the military.
They urged the committee to reconsider these limitations and proposed constitutional amendments to allow dual citizens to apply for state positions and repeal punitive measures for non-disclosure of dual citizenship.
