The government of Kenyan has published a Draft Session Paper intended to present the case for passing a Bill that would create conducive environment for the Kenyan Diaspora. The paper highlights the need for such a Bill and anchors the rationale and significance therein.

The Kenyan Diaspora has been playing an important role in the development of the country through remittances and promotion of Kenya's economic development abroad. However, until recently the role of the Kenyan Diaspora in the development of the country was not very much acknowledged. It is evident that more is needed to facilitate the participation of the Kenyan Diaspora in the social, economic and political arena.

The rationale for the policy paper is underlined by the fact that the Kenyan Diaspora has tremendous potential especially in critical areas that are important for the Kenyan economy to grow much faster. The participation of the Kenyan Diaspora in the economy will spur the Government's current economic reforms to modernize the economy and augment growth as per the VISION 2030 Development Process.

Thus, it is in view of this situation that it is imperative for the Government of Kenya to design and implement a Diaspora-focused policy that would address the needs of the Kenyan Diaspora in both countries of residence and in Kenya as well as effectively facilitate their involvement in the social, political, and economic affairs of the country.

Download: Kenya Government Policy paper on Diaspora