Kenyans in diaspora want relations with Western nations restored
PHOTO | FILE Paul Muite (centre) with Shem Ochuodho (right) during a past function. Kenyan living abroad want the government to mend fences with the West to maintain trade, tourism and remittances.
What you need to know:
- The over 3 million Kenyans in the diaspora under the umbrella Kenya Diaspora Association (KDA) have termed the growing rift absurd as majority of Kenyans abroad live and study in the United States.
Kenyan living abroad want the government to mend fences with the West to maintain trade, tourism and remittances.
The over 3 million Kenyans in the diaspora under the umbrella Kenya Diaspora Association (KDA) have termed the growing rift absurd as majority of Kenyans abroad live and study in the United States.
“We challenge government to use the August 2014 USA-Africa leaders’ summit in Washington DC as the turning point for the relationship between Kenya and the West,” said KDA chair Shem Ochuodho.
The trend has seen financing for infrastructure, the award of public tenders and higher imports come from Asian and Arab states.
Since the 2013 General Election, President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed high-profile contracts with China, Japan, India, Turkey, Qatar and Russia.
“Currently, the highest remittance inflows into Kenya are from North America, accounting for 47.3 per cent of total inflows Sh4.9 billion as at May 2014,” said Mr Peter Kerre, coordinator of Kenya Diaspora Vote (KDV).
