Uhuru says policy on Kenyan diaspora underway

 

PHOTO | FILE Customers queue for service at Family Bank on Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi. Central Bank has lowered its benchmark lending rate to encourage banks to reduce their interest rates.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By PPS

In Summary

• President Uhuru said he would set up an office at Harambee House, Nairobi to coordinate issues pertaining to Kenyans living abroad.
• He added that as soon as a Cabinet Secretary is in office, forums will be held between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kenyan diaspora to resolve their concerns.
• The President praised Kenyans in the United Kingdom for forming associations which he said would assist the government in liaising with them.

The government is in the process of formulating a diaspora policy that will guide its engagement with all Kenyans living abroad, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.

Speaking on Tuesday night when he met Kenyans living and working in Britain, President Kenyatta said the policy is aimed at forging effective synergies for involving citizens abroad in national development agenda as it also meets their needs and expectations.

“My government will expedite the finalisation of this Policy. Further, my government will support the implementation of this Policy with the necessary resources and legislation”, the President said.

President Uhuru said he would set up an office at Harambee House, Nairobi to coordinate issues pertaining to Kenyans living abroad.

He added that as soon as a Cabinet Secretary is in office, forums will be held between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kenyan diaspora to resolve their concerns.

The President praised Kenyans in the United Kingdom for forming associations which he said would assist the government in liaising with them.

“We should always see ourselves as Kenyans first rather than members of particular ethnic groups. This is the spirit of nationhood which will strengthen national unity and that my government is keen on nurturing in the country”, he said.

He urged Kenyans living abroad to engage with county governors back home for insights into opportunities available in the counties.

He reiterated his commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens noting that the Kenyan diaspora now has rights and obligations of dual citizenship such as voting.

According to Mr Kenyatta, political standing should not derail forging of unity and the government is obligated to protect and implement the wishes of Kenyans as embodied in the new Constitution.

He said the devolved system is aimed at bringing services closer to the people and ensure equitable development and to facilitate participatory governance which will ensure Kenyans are involved in decision making at the grassroots level.

“As stated in my inauguration speech, devolution is not a choice but a duty, demanded by our constitution, and my Government is committed to fulfilling this duty”, he said.

He assured Kenyans of his commitment to the reform agenda to promote transparency and accountability as well as entrench the rule of law and good governance.

“As we all appreciate, the purpose of these institutional reforms is to promote transparency and accountability, entrench the rule of law and good governance in the country and restore public trust and confidence in our institutions,” he said