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The KibakiTena2007LobbyGroup – EU urge voters to reject leaders bent on political opportunism. The choice of leaders at the coming General Election 2007, should be based on those championing the causes and interest of the people and not parochial personal interests.
The Kenyan Diaspora contributes to development in various ways including:
Building business networks and creating social capital Through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Sending money to friends and relatives in their countries of origin – commonly known as Remittances Getting involved in political processes Market development for products from Kenya Promoting tourism and Kenyan culture Science and Technology transfer Positive influence and intangible knowledge transfer and Philanthropy among others
Here are some of the issues emphasized by the Kenyan Diasporas :
Dual Citizenship, the Right to Vote and the Right to Representation by the Kenyan Diaspora Consular affairs, the need for Diaspora to be included in appointments and employment in embassies and the improvement of public service to the Diaspora Remittances (money sent by the Diaspora to their country of origin) which has actually played a big role in directing attention to the plight of immigrants and acknowledgement of their role world wide Trade and Investment providing best practices and examples of incentives that have succeeded in countries that have attempted to develop a relationship with their Diaspora such as India, Israel and China. Knowledge previously thought to have been drained out of Kenya can be tapped back hence reversing brain drain to Brain Gain. Looks into the other areas in which the Kenyan Diaspora contributes to, and can be facilitate in, such as Tourism, Culture and Philanthropy, etc The need to sensitize and put in place mechanisms and qualified personnel to deal with issues of Gender Equity in addressing all the areas of dealing with the Diaspora. The need to undertake a mapping exercise which will allow all concerned parties to attain baseline information on the Kenyan Diaspora. This will result to the creation of a Diaspora Data Bank. The development of policies to address the Diaspora issues in form of Legislation.
Petition for the Office and Commission on Kenyans Abroad (OCKA)
The Government of Kenya should set up a sound institutional framework to protect and benefit from their citizens living, studying and/or working abroad, as espoused by the “UN - International Convention on the Protection of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.” We propose the creation of an Office and Commission on Kenyans Abroad (OCKA), to be housed under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The idea of creating an Office and Commission on Kenyans Abroad (OCKA) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now a necessity as the ever growing Kenyan Diaspora expands beyond the ability of our Missions abroad to effectively channel the wealth and opportunities offered by this transnational constituency. The proposed OCKA would also efficiently handle specific Diaspora issues such as satellite voting and investment opportunities.
We here request the Government of Kenya to create the Office and Commission on Kenyans Abroad (OCKA) to be housed under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the following objectives:
- Orientation of Kenyans willing to invest back home and the connection of Kenyan companies with Kenyan entrepreneurs abroad.
- Effecting the TAP (Talent Access Pool) policy that calls for the Government of Kenya to hire qualified Kenyans for professional positions in Kenya before they hire foreign expatriates. (Visit www.agendaafrica.com/TAP). This policy will also encourage the much needed brain-gain shift for Kenya.
- Orientation of students who want to study abroad and/or already studying abroad.
- Creation of an accessible information network on business opportunities between other countries, especially in Africa, and Kenya.
This petition is sponsored by KCA-France, a chapter of the KCA (Kenyan Community Abroad), and endorsed by the KCA Executive.
Stephen N. KINUTHIA
Chairman, Kenya Community Abroad - France
KCA Executive
Washington, D.C.
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