Challenges and Concerns of Kenyans in the Diaspora
The global Kenyan community, known as the Kenyan diaspora, encounters a multitude of obstacles and shares apprehensions regarding their participation in national affairs. For a long time, crucial matters have been brought to light, encompassing challenges in engaging in elections and the need for more transparent governmental guidelines.
Election Participation Challenges
Kenyan citizens residing outside the country face obstacles when it comes to taking part in elections, particularly the inconvenience of travelling great distances to vote. One instance highlights the plight of a Kenyan Brussels resident who had to make the journey to Berlin to cast his vote, prompting concerns regarding the effectiveness of such arrangements. Suggestions are put forth to urge Consular services in key global cities to simplify procedures and ensure smoother accessibility for diaspora individuals.
Dissatisfaction with Kenyan Democracy
As Kenya celebrates its sixtieth year of Independence, there is an undeniable sense of discontentment regarding the current state of democracy in the country. Kenyans in the diaspora lament the narrow focus on election results, diverting attention from critical issues such as the cost of living. Additionally, there are sentiments of dissatisfaction towards the apparent absence of an effective opposition, heightening the demand for a reassessment of the political environment.
Diaspora Representation and Organization
A multitude of Kenyans abroad, totalling more than 3 million individuals, join together in different organizations and associations. Yet, there exists a pervasive worry that these groups may be infiltrated by political figures, which could potentially undermine their effectiveness. The importance of authentic representation and advocacy for the diaspora is emphasized as a critical factor in addressing their distinct challenges in their countries of residence.
Clarity in Government Policies
Recent ambiguity in government policies, such as the requirement to declare items worth over $500 when entering Kenya, raised concerns about communication efficacy. Kenyans in the diaspora stress the importance of clear and actionable communication to avoid confusion and panic among the diaspora. Clarity in policies is identified as an essential aspect of fostering trust and compliance.
Dual Citizenship and Investor Confidence
The delay in implementing dual citizenship has become a significant point of concern, impacting the confidence of investors. Diasporans voice worries about potential repercussions, such as land disputes, and call for swift action to address the long-standing issue. They identify dual citizenship as a crucial element in fostering a conducive environment for investment.
Critique of Migration Management Bill:
The discussion also delved into criticism of the Labour Migration Management Bill 2023. Concerns are raised about the potential taxation of diaspora remittances, a move viewed as counterproductive, especially in the current economic climate.
The challenges and concerns of Kenyans in the diaspora demand thoughtful attention from both the government and diaspora organizations. The call for improved representation, clearer communication, and swifter implementation of policies resonates as a collective plea for a more inclusive and supportive approach to the issues faced by this vital global community.
Comments (16)
It's amazing how Kenyans come to the USA and expect kenya to suddenly change. There was a reason you left.
The economy is exposing all the delusional people left and right.
These organizations claiming to represent diaspora Kenyans are the ones helping the delusional government of kenya terrorize Kenyans in diaspora.
It’s time they got reported to the police and got shut-down.
I am not their spokesperson but it’s lies to claim Kenyans in US expect instant change.Don’t expect any change while the elite gangsters are alive.
KENYA WILL ONLY CHANGE AFTER MUUAJI RAILA’s DEATH.A BLOODY(killing all elite gangsters) REVOLUTION CAN ALSO BRING CHANGE.But I never chose/elected these “spokespersons”?I have never asked for representation.The so-called reps should be reduced.The bloated govt should be downsized.Why waste money hiring thugs and prostitutes instead of developing the country?
Aliar! You're a Liar!!! Raila has Zero to Do with RUTO Government failures.
All Kenyans living abroad have a strong love and attachment to their land of ancestry.
STRENGTHS
1. Once you board the National Airline (Kenya Airways) from the JFK International Airport in New York City, you fly non-stop until you land in Kenya.
2. The New Kenyan Constitution of 2010 allows dual citizenship.
3. The invention of M-Pesa has made it much easier than the previous years to transfer money to our immediate relatives back home.
4. The weather is less challenging in Kenya than abroad.
5. Nyama choma grilled in Kenya is still the best in the world.
WEAKNESSES
1. Working people in Kenya are basically inefficient, slow, lazy and arrogant.
2. Ndugu Musalia Mudavadi: I challenge you to ask your employees working at the Kenyan Embassy in Washington DC to answer phone calls and respond to our minimum concerns immediately.
3. The implementation of dual citizenship takes years to accomplish. Why does it take such a long time to accomplish the task of regaining the Kenyan Citizenship especially for the people who took other citizenships before the passage of the New Constitution in 2010? The American Passport shows the country of birth of the New American citizen. Isn't that information enough for applying to regain Kenyan citizenship again?
SOLUTIOONS
1. All employees working for the Kenya Government at home and abroad should adopt the policy of:
a) Zero corruption tolerated in all government offices. Anyone found receiving a bribe should be terminated immediately and all his personal property auctioned.
b) Minimum time for receiving national documents as soon as the requests reach the processing offices.
2. Efficiency in rendering basic services should be the national mantra across the entire nation.
3. All Public meetings should be conducted in Kiswahili for every Kenyan to understand what is being said by our elected servants of the people.
4. All political meetings should be conducted on Saturdays and Sundays (ONLY)and the rest of the people should be busy in their offices performing their duties and serving their bosses who are the tax paying people of Kenya.
As usual talks but no action, for decades now we're still in conferences-mode on how implementation will be carried out in the year 2050. The Govt need to copy on how Rwanda is managing well with their diaspora community of over 13.4 million world-wide.
The delusional government of kenya lacks the basic common sense and the budget to address issues facing the diaspora.
They should focus on stopping human traffickers of Nairobi and mombasa.
All these other issues are too complex for their delusional minds.
This is so delusional and pathetic it’s comical.
Which part of:
Kenyans who live abroad live abroad, doesn’t the government of kenya employees and its apologists understand.
Kenyans who live in the US, live in the US.
Kenyans who live in the Middle East, live in the Middle East.
Kenyans who live in Europe , live in Europe.
Kenyans who live in Australia, live in Australia.
Basically, the government of Kenya should deal with Kenyans who live in Kenya.
This is so pathetic.
It’s time Kenyans in diaspora started reporting these diaspora organizations & Kenyan embassies Harassing Kenyans in the countries they live.
Report these delusional organizations to the police.
BULLCRAP AS ALWAYS
“Delusional” is the key word that every commentator has used above!
The Govt of Kenya is not serous indeed for Diaspora investment back home - Domo kaya!
Kenya has gotten from bad to a worse situation in the past several years. Ruto has made Kenya a palliar nation because of his high corruption, theft, nepotism, etc! No one in the diaspora expect things in Kenya to change as long as crooks are in charge of the government! Them fools are the ones reaching out to those in the diaspora to get a hand because they have bankrupt our economy! Ngombe tupu!
Sir, please don't bring Kenyan dirty politics abroad. when the Former President Uhuru, told his people about the problem of electing Ruto, his entire community told him off that "hatupangwingwi" which literally means, "we are not ready to be told what to do".
Now how comes the same Ruto who was adored is now loathe.