Kenyans
Abroad speak in
PRESS RELEASE!!! PRESS
RELEASE!!! PRESS RELEASE!!! PRESS RELEASE!!!
Observations of Kenyans Abroad on Kenyan Developments
since 2002 Elections
By Matunda Nyanchama,
former president of the Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA)
& Gichane Muraguri, KCA representative at BOMAS
Constitutional Reforms Talks.
Issued on April 8,
2004
International Press Centre,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The continued goodwill of Kenyan people and the international community is a
tremendous asset for our people and country. The government needs to maximize
use of this goodwill for the benefit of our country, our people and the future.
From afar, Kenyans are seen as a hardworking, peaceful people committed to
their country. A good example is the enthusiastic attention paid to the BOMAS constitutional reform talks by mwananchi.
Despite differences of opinion emerging from the talks Kenyans remain engaged and
continue with consulting on an ongoing basis so as to reach agreement on the
best way forward. The same can be said of the manner in which Kenyans continue
to educate their kids; our people continue to work hard despite challenging
economic times. Kenyans, in general are seen as bubbly and energetic.
That said, we feel that there is a risk of squandering
existing goodwill and opportunities, mainly due to the rate at which the
national leadership is moving to deal with national problems. We feel that Kenyans’
positive energies, goodwill and commitment are not finding full expression as
would be expected. Since the last elections - Kenyans both in Kenya and abroad
- have maintained raised expectations in anticipation of transformation on
their lives.
The government has done a fair amount of work since the last elections; and
there are glimmers of good work to be seen in areas of education, national
planning, transportation and health, among others. Free primary education has
allowed more than 1 million kids to get into the school system; new regulations
on public transportation has the potential to reduce the death toll on our
roads and the new health insurance scheme has far-reaching consequences on the
health of the nation as many Kenyans would have access to health care which has
been out of reach to them for a long time; in national development, conferences
have explained Kenya’s potential as an investment destination. On the
constitution review process, Kenyans continue to talk despite differences of
opinion.
More can be done though!
The government, and especially ministers, needs to realize that its role is to
govern and implement! It needs team work, consensus and collective
responsibility. Ministers should sort their differences amicably in order to
maintain needed confidence in government. The apparent factional “war” in Narc is not helping matters at all as it leaves the
perception that things are falling apart.
It is our opinion that the government
should recognize that:
- It is in service of Wanjiku and that personal
agendas should give way to Wanjiku’s interests;
- Wanjiku’s life transformation can only come through
concrete programs that realize jobs, offer education, and keep Wajiku healthy and safe;
- In a nutshell, they should honour their part of the social contract: Wanjiku pays taxes and expects services in return.
To this end
- We call upon the government to revisit its agenda and ensure priorities meet Wanjiku’s expectations. For example:
o What happens to the large numbers of Kenyans that
drop out after KCPE and KCE?
o How do we move around freely and sleep soundly
without worrying about being mugged, hijacked and raided by thugs?
o How do we get to work safely, and in time?
o What are the alternative approaches to dealing with
diminishing returns from our Agriculture which has been the mainstay of our
country for years on end?
o And more!
You may ask what Kenyans abroad are
doing to make the country a better place for our people. Here are examples:
- Kenyans abroad continue to support the country through remittances of up to
$400 annually; this remains a major sources of FOREX
for this country;
- Kenyans abroad have want to go beyond simple remittances; discussions are in
advances stages pertaining to an investment fund from which both public and
private sectors can borrow for local development;
- Through the Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA), Kenyans
abroad are working with the government and private sector to avail its talent
and expertise for local involvement; preparations are underway to create a
database of this expertise that would be accessible to the public and private
sector to utilize whenever they need such the expertise;
- The Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA) plans a local
presence in Kenya to ensure it is in tune with local realities and become a
player in local matter to the extent Kenyans abroad can participate;
- To jumpstart these, the Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA)
plans a grand “home coming” conference to be help in Nairobi. This will be held
starting December 16 to 21; plans are at an advanced stage to formalize the
agenda and participation. We are hoping to secure high-level government and
private sector participation.
In conclusion: Kenyans abroad feel that they are part and parcel of our nation
and hold the view that the government should do more than it is doing
currently. Government priorities should be Wanjiku’s
priorities. To the extent that we can help transform Wanjiku’s
life, we are committed to national participation. This participation, in the
end, would include national representation.
Signed at
Matunda Nyanchama
Published by Kenya Socialist Democratic
Alliance (KSDA)
email: harakatips@hotmail.com