Kenya's Diaspora Diplomacy
It is estimated that 1.8 million Kenyan nationals live and work abroad.
This constitutes an important resource that should be harnessed for
our economic development.
The main objective of International Jobs
and Diaspora office is to ensure that Kenyans secure jobs
in international and private organisations. The office also develops
a database of CVs and available jobs as well as encouraging Kenyans
to apply for international jobs.
The Diaspora section of the office engages with the Diaspora by facilitating
improvement in the delivery of Consular services; developing re-integration
programmes; encouraging investment in Kenya and facilitating the development
of Diaspora specific products to increase and better manage remittances.
Through this policy the Government is seizing the opportunity to tap
into a large and vibrant Kenyan Diaspora as a market for Kenya and
a major source of foreign currency.
Another goal is to facilitate an increase in Remittances by Kenyans
in the Diaspora. It is estimated that annual total
remittances are close to USD 1 billion and the potential is even greater.
Increased remittances would have a multiplier effect on the GDP with
great benefit to the economy.
The Diaspora office with the assistance of the Missions abroad is
therefore seeking to do the following:
- Facilitate the increase in remittances from the Diaspora by working
with the relevant Government organs to formulate and implement cheaper
and faster methods of remitting funds home.
- Engage with the Diaspora and enlighten them on investment opportunities
available in Kenya.
- Ensure protection of the rights and interest of Kenyan citizens
abroad.
- Facilitate the development of a consular service that addresses
the needs of Kenyans in the Diaspora.
- Research and develop products and a policy framework that increases
and directs Remittances towards more "developmental" uses.
- Conduct of research on the numbers
of Kenyans in the Diaspora and their exact locations.
- Develop bilateral arrangements to secure jobs in other countries
- Provide information to the Kenyan public about existing vacancies;
currently done through the official website.
- Work with recruitment agencies to facilitate recruitment of Kenya
into international jobs.
- Develop a database of CVs; which is also
currently done by the office.
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