The Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers has called on the Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of Diaspora Workers, Ms. Roseline Njogu to acclerate the institutionalization of the Diaspora as the 48th County.

The Members who were speaking during an engagement with the PS over the policies and programs in place for the protection and promotion of the welfare of Kenyans in the diaspora. The Committee noted that this move would not help safeguard the welfare of Kenyans living abroad, but would also guarantee some of their rights such as the right to vote. 

The legislators particularly concerned that there exists no official data of Kenyans living abroad and what activities they are involved in.

"Why is it that when Kenyans are contracted to work abroad, when they land in the hoşt countries, they shy away from engaging our Missions or even registering themselves?”, Hon. Charity Kathambi posed.

The Haika Mizighi-led Committee was also concerned that Kenyans abroad have no investment protection mechanism and thus many have been swindled by unscruplous relatives or friends in the name of helping then identify investment opportunities in the country.

The Chairperson Hon. Mizighi noted that institutionalizing the Diaspora would also enable the government to link them with the available job opportunities abroad among other opportunities.

On her part, the PS noted the ministry had scaled up the registration of Kenyans abroad, adding that she had tasked the over 60 Kenyans Missions abroad to quarterly provide a report on the status of the welfare of Kenyans living abroad.

Asked to respond on the status of the Diaspora Policy, the PS noted that the ministry was in process of reviewing the draft policy developed in 2014.

"The draft diaspora Policy is dated 2014. Of course the Diaspora trends are now different and It is now under review. We shall be inviting you as stakeholders to make your contribution to it", the PS said. 

Ms. Njogu told the Committee that Kenya's Foreign Policy recognises the Diaspora as a strong Constituency and has earmarked one of its five pillars to be dedicated to the Diaspora.

The Committee was also told of the Ministry's plans with regard to continous engagement with Kenyans abroad. The PS noted that the plans include the establishment of the necessary institutional mechanisms for coordination and administration of issues affecting Kenyans. The State Department is already holding issue based townhall meetings, webinars, seminars, and Diaspora Conferences. 

The PS further disclosed that they had already set up 24hr distress call centres and is retooling the Missions abroad to be more people and diaspora facing. 

Among other initiatives that the State Department is spearheading is the mainstreaming of the Kenyan Diaspora into the national development processes, and the development of incentives framework for Diaspora remittances. 

Committee Members present were Hon. Fred Kapondi ( Mt. Elgon), Hon. Charity Kathambi Chepkwony (Njoro), Hon. Donya Dorice (Kisii), Hon. Pamela Njoki Ndung’u -Double N (Embu).