The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA) has called for the creation of diaspora offices in each of the 47 counties in Kenya.
In a statement, KDA chairman Shem Ochuodho said the move would enhance devolution since returns from Kenyans abroad would provide an alternate source of funding for the development of county projects.
He further noted that this would ensure counties do not over rely on cash from national government and foreign aid organizations.
“We are already talking to the National government and the devolution ministry to help build systems that support and mobilize funds received from Kenyans abroad to enhance county development,” he said.
Ochuodho noted that only 25 percent of diaspora inflows go to investment, while the rest is spent on personal consumption.
“We are keen to grow that to 30 per cent in the next five years so that more can go into hard investments and savings,” he said.
Statistics by the Central Bank of Kenya indicate that cash inflows from Kenyans living and working abroad hit a record high in September registering $176.1 million (Sh18.18 billion) to remain the country’s biggest foreign income source after surpassing tourism, tea and horticulture exports in the past three years.
Ochuodho also urged the government to develop incentives and policies that would encourage Kenyans in diaspora to make hard investments back home.
“There is no reason why we cannot give incentives to our own people to create opportunities and bring back repatriating their profits,” he said.
“We have made a formal proposal to government that in the next five years we believe diaspora remittance can be doubled.”
Does this have anything to…
Does this have anything to do with succession talks from certain communities?
Again 25% to 30% in five years? That you will not need to plan it will happen naturally. Aim for the sky and you will touch the clouds.
Who is this guy? How would…
Who is this guy? How would returns from Kenyans abroad provide alternative source of development of development at the county level? I don’t feel you even understand what you are talking about.
New offices and officers is…
New offices and officers is a waste of funds. What are they actually going to do to help Kenyans?Diasporites send funds directly to family and business contacts. They don’t need middlemen and red tape getting in the way. Taxpayers are already paying for too many government officers.
I will ask again-Who does…
I will ask again-Who does Ochuodhu represent and where?Who elected him to speak for my pocket?How can i even dream of aiding any development in Kenya?When was paying salaries to non performing useless thugs,known as civil servents “baptized” development?Mwizi
What will that office do? …
What will that office do? Please tell us. Most of us send money to educate our younger brothers and sisters. Do I need an office to tell me where to send school fees for my kid brother/sister.
That’s why I have insisted…
That’s why I have insisted masomo mingi niya unjinga.This Guys calks him a docta???Offices for what??Wr trying to get lid of senators n reduce counties which will b hard n yet another USA schooled returniee idiots is thinking funny??Masomo mingi niya Bure bana.
Against all odds, I support…
Against all odds, I support this creation but not the explanation of the functions as the good CS professor is advancing. There is a good reason to have a formal liaison between diaspora and their homeland. A lot of opportunity and potential will be harnessed through such an office, voice of diaspora will reach the mashinani ( and not be drowned by the cacophony of political positioning in Nairobi). Many diaspora initiatives (beyond personal investments and caring for family) to their motherland are hampered by lack of official platform to conduct public business. Beyond making personal investments and helping family, there is another world to which humans are called; giving back to community and serving mankind using our gifts, talents, and to a much lesser extent financial resources. I believe these to be a noble idea, if implemented to serve kenyans by kenyans. There is a better reason why God placed you in diaspora and that is intricately tied to your mother land. If you are musically inclined, Tekno-RARA(lyrics video) is a good message to start with.
This Ochuodho guy is not an…
This Ochuodho guy is not an elected Diaspora leader. He is the sole admin for a pro-NASA Whatsapp Diaspora Group which he controls all statements and quickly kicks out those who oppose his thoughts or are pro-Jubilee. This Whatsapp group is 80% Kenyans in Kenya and many from his region. Others have been pouched strategically from other organizations through emails or even lists of Diaspora organizations attendees. He is in-sincere, coniving and not a Diaspora but self-promoting by camping at Nairobi TV station and Newspapers.
He has never been cleared from mis-appropriating funds from Kenya pipeline. Who audits the monies you collect for Diaspora Homecomings?
That is why he appears alone or sometimes states he is talking to the papers from his house in Karen. Funny. He is hoping for an appointment. That we shall fight.
He does not have any authentic ideas even this 47 Diaspora counties talk has been copied from someone else someone but poorly thought it out. He taps on people’s ideas in his Whatsapp group and then releases press statements or presents the ideas on TV as his own.
Ochuodho is a wannabee Diaspora member trying to make a living on being the Diaspora leader for ALL Diaspora out of Kenya, whom he does not know or interact with.
Speak for yourself and stop using us the Diaspora to meet your goals. We see you.