The Kenyan Diaspora Association in the Netherlands.

Uhollanzi Kenya Association (Ukea) is the only registered Kenyan diaspora association in the Netherlands. It is a platform for residents of Kenyan origin and their associates, living in the Netherlands. The association’s membership is both individual and corporate. Its goals are to support and promote the welfare of Kenyans in the Netherlands in collaboration with local authorities and partners as well as to enhance the Kenyan migrants’ capacity to meaningfully give back to their country of origin.

VISION

Uhollanzi Kenya Association therefore envisions a strong, all inclusive and dynamic Kenyan diaspora body in The Netherlands whose members are empowered and enabled to actively play their role as full and equal members of the Dutch society and to contribute meaningfully and sustainably to the development of their country of origin through strong and effective partnerships.

MISSION

• Promote the collective interests of Kenyans in the Netherlands;
• Encourage, stimulate and create opportunities for interaction, exchange of ideas and active participation in society;
• Encourage and foster solidarity and collaboration among the members by promoting unity around shared goals and interests based on the principle of unity in diversity;
• Strengthen and enhance the social capital of members by facilitating capacity-building activities to enhance their skills and highlight their positive contributions to the development of Kenya;
• Provide a platform to launch effective lobby and advocacy on issues affecting Kenyans and the diaspora in general in The Netherlands;
• Establish strategic partnerships and engage in constructive dialogue with policy makers, development agencies, private sector, and other stakeholders to further the common aims and objectives of promoting the interests of Kenyans and the diaspora in general and contributing to their development endeavours.

OBJECTIVES

Ukea’s main objectives include the promotion of socio-cultural welfare and interests of Kenyans in the Netherlands through organising social, recreational and educational activities, information sessions, network meetings in collaboration with other Dutch or diaspora partners and the Kenyan embassy in the Hague.

On migration and development, Ukea seeks to enhance and harness the social capital of its members to be effective development partners, This will be achieved through the development of a migrant database of Kenyans in the Netherlands, providing opportunities for capacity building, strengthening partnerships with implementing partners in Kenya, stimulating and cooperating in trade and investment initiatives between Kenya and the Netherlands by creating a business club for members interested or involved in business.

Ukea will also seek to partner with like-minded citizens and organisations to support legitimate aspirations of the Kenyan people through support for humanitarian and development projects while strengthening good governance, human rights and accountability.

In order to achieve these goals, Ukea will strive to strengthen collaborations with stakeholders such as development agencies, relevant government line-agencies, multilateral organisations, private sector and civil society both in Kenya and the Netherlands.