Kibaki assures diaspora of reforms

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President Mwai Kibaki (centre) is introduced to the diaspora community by the High Commissioner to London, Mr Ephraim Ngare on his arrival in London. Photo/PPS 

By PPS
Posted  Sunday, July 29  2012 at  13:17

President Mwai Kibaki has assured the diaspora that Kenya is on track with implementation of the new Constitution.

Speaking when he addressed the Kenya Diaspora Conference held at the Church House Conference Centre in London on the sidelines of the Olympic Games, Kibaki said the government will enact all the required Constitution implementation legislation as stipulated in the Fifth Schedule.

Kibaki said that issues affecting the diaspora such as dual citizenship and voting rights have to be addressed.

“The government has already put in place mechanisms to enable those who had previously lost their Kenyan citizenship by acquiring other citizenships to apply for and re-gain their Kenyan citizenship,” he said.

With respect to voting rights, Kibaki said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will facilitate voting of Kenyans in the diaspora during the forthcoming General Election.

“I therefore wish to urge you to register as voters and participate in shaping the destiny of our beloved nation,” he said.

President Kibaki noted that the over three million Kenyans working and studying in the diaspora had contributed significantly the the country's economic growth.

“Your support of Kenya’s economy through your investments amounting to over one billion dollars annually is appreciated. I now urge you to embark on technological and skills transfer that will facilitate industrialization and employment creation in Kenya,” he said.

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Kibaki further said that in an effort to facilitate diaspora investments to Africa, the African Union Commission seeks to establish an Institute which will serve as a tool to assist the continent in building its capacity to improve the regulatory framework and address the high costs on remittances.

“Kenya has offered to host the Institute, and we are hopeful that our bid will receive wide support,” he said.

Banking services

Kibaki said the banking sector should also provide adequate services to the diaspora as a way of increasing economic stability to the country.

“Diaspora Banking Product launched by KCB will enable the bank to tap into the Diaspora market and facilitate East African nationals to invest back home and support regional economic growth,” he said.

Speaking during the occasion, KCB CEO, Martin Oduor-Otieno said the KCB Diaspora Banking Servicewas a service that would enable Kenyans as well as the diaspora of the wider East African region to participate in the development of their countries.
"The service is an affordable, accessible and convenient 24-hour platform through which clients can undertake financial transactions via the internet in all currencies," said Mr Oduor-Otieno.