President Uhuru Kenyatta's government would have to adjust or adopt some policies that will favour Kenyans in the diaspora.
Already, the Kenya Diaspora Alliance has urged Uhuru to immediately appoint Mwende Mwinzi as South Korea envoy days after a standoff with Parliament.
Mwinzi's appointment had been recalled due to her dual citizenship. However, a court ruled in her favour last week, paving way for the interpretation of public and state officers.
“The ruling has given the diaspora confidence. This is a landmark decision for our children,” said Shem Ochuodho, the Global Chairperson of the lobby that includes 12 diaspora associations.
“We are hoping Parliament can go further and create an environment that will attract the diaspora to participate fully in the economic development of this country.”
The alliance is now pushing for a policy that would allow them to vote electronically. Currently, members are only allowed to cast their votes manually.
Further, the associations have demanded that Kenya’s foreign missions provide services for replacement or application of national IDs and certificates of good conduct, and be allowed to be interviewed for public service jobs.
Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi is currently working on a bill that would officially recognize the contributions by members of the diaspora to the country.
“[The] contribution by the Kenyan diaspora to the country’s development goes beyond personal remittances to include increased trade links, better access to foreign capital markets, skills and technology transfer, diaspora investment funds, knowledge exchange among other enormous potential benefits,” the MP said in his notice of the motion.