Ambassador Odembo to launch talks on Draft Diaspora Policy

By Chris Wamalwa in USA

Kenya’s Ambassador to the US, Mr Elkanah Odembo is set to officially launch discussions on the recently released Diaspora Draft Policy.

The event, scheduled to take place in Boston, Massachusetts on Thursday, April 12, 2012 is planned to coincide with a series of other Kenyan events organised to celebrate Kenya’s dominance in the Boston Marathon.

The Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 16, 2012.

Kenyan ambassador, Elkanah Odembo (in red) poses for a photo with Kenyan winners of the Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. Kenya won a sterling 1, 2 and 3 finish in the men’s event and no.1 in women’s event. Photo: Chris Wamalwa/Standard

Early this year, the Government released the Draft Diaspora Policy aimed at mainstreaming the role of the Diaspora, an increasingly influential constituency in Kenya’s socio-political and economic development.

According to ambassador Odembo, this signals the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Diaspora engagement and an opportunity for the Diaspora to determine how they wish to engage with the government in shaping the future social, economic and political destiny of the country.

"The Embassy in Washington, D.C, wishes to encourage Kenyans in the US to critically review the draft policy, discuss it, and provide their input before the policy is finalized. Our going to Boston to receive the initial reviews is not only for us to show the seriousness with which the government is taking this initiative but also to encourage the Diaspora to participate fully," he said.

The discussions will take place soon after a lavish Dinner Party with the Kenyan Elite Team at Back Bay Events Center, 180 Berkeley St. Boston, MA. 02116.

It will herald the launch of live recording and streaming of a TV show, ‘DIASPORA VOICE’. The event is organised by the Diaspora Advisory Council of New England in collaboration the Kenyan Embassy in DC, Run With Kenyans and Diaspora Voice TV show.

Odembo said the policy would be meaningless if it does not incorporate the considered views of the Diaspora.

"It is a Diaspora Policy, which means that the Diaspora is the key stakeholder in the policy. We propose that the Diaspora groups convene meetings/workshops to discuss the draft policy and send their ideas in writing to the Embassy for forwarding to Nairobi. This policy is domiciled in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and it is the intention of the Ministry to have it finalized and published by June 2012," he said.

Other significant Kenyan Caucuses taking place around this time is the Kenya Diaspora Summit scheduled for April 14-15 at Umass Convention Center, 222 Maple Ave and the launch of New England Kenyan Welfare Association (NEKWA).

According to the organisers, KDCC, the aim of the summit is to give Kenyan Diaspora members a rallying point for mutual self-advancement through cooperative ventures aimed at enhancing sustainable development in Kenya.

According to Ajabu Africa, a local Kenyan publication, Kenyans in the New England region will official launch a welfare organization that will spearhead efforts to end frequent burial fund raisings while creating a platform to foster a rapid social cultural development of the fast growing community.

The launch ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Crown Castle Plaza Hall, 90 Stafford St. in Worcester starting at 6.00 pm.

Among top guests expected to speak include Worcester mayor, Joseph M. Petty, Dr. Richard Leakey, a former Kenya wildlife service director and John Githongo, CEO of Nisisi Kenya and former Anti- Corruption Czar in Kenya.

Meanwhile, Allan Kiprono set a new course record Sunday morning during the Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run by finishing the race in 45:15. Lani Kiplagat and John Korir came in 2nd and 3rd with times of 46:28 and 47:33 respectively. Julliah Tinega who is defending her title, finished at 54:02 leaving her competitors far behind to win the women’s event.

Ambassador Odembo accompanied by members of staff, and friends of Kenya was on hand to cheer the victorious athletes at the finish line amid a sea of Kenyan flags and trademark loud cheers.