The Kenyan diaspora—Kenya’s “48th County”—has officially petitioned the government to address long-standing grievances and ensure diaspora inclusion in national governance and development. This petition, initiated by Stephen N. Kinuthia “Wamother”, a Kenyan diaspora in France, seeks to amplify the voice of Kenyans living abroad.
Key Highlights of the Petition:
- Diaspora Representation:
- Demand for two parliamentary seats: one in the National Assembly and one in the Senate, to give Kenyans abroad a voice in decision-making.
- Legal entrenchment of Constituency 291 to permanently represent diaspora interests.
- Voting Rights:
- Immediate reconstitution of the IEBC to enable diaspora voter participation in the 2027 elections.
- Expansion of polling centers abroad and voter education initiatives.
- Economic Contributions:
- The diaspora remits over USD $4.7 billion annually (Ksh 610 billion), surpassing traditional foreign capital sources.
- Request to establish a Kenya Equity Investment Fund to facilitate diaspora-led investments in infrastructure projects like JKIA and other national assets.
- Ministry of Diaspora Affairs:
- Proposal to create a dedicated ministry to streamline diaspora-government relations, safeguard investments, and integrate diaspora contributions into national planning.
- Addressing Social Issues:
- Call to combat human trafficking and fraudulent practices targeting Kenyans abroad, particularly in the Middle East.
- Advocate for education reform and solutions to youth unemployment to reduce forced migration.
Why This Matters:
The diaspora is Kenya’s largest, wealthiest, and best-educated “county,” contributing immensely to the economy but lacking political representation and government support. This petition seeks to change that by giving the diaspora a formal role in shaping Kenya’s future.
What’s Next:
The diaspora community calls on President Dr. William Ruto, Parliament, and the Senate to prioritize these issues, recognizing the diaspora as equal partners in Kenya’s progress.
Initiator: Stephen N. Kinuthia “Wamother”, a Kenyan diaspora in France.
Have your say! Do you support this petition? Share your thoughts and let’s amplify the voice of Kenya’s 48th County!
