United Democratic Alliance (UDA) diaspora coordinator Betwel Manga has called for constitutional and legal reforms to create a Diaspora County 48. This framework aims to give Kenyans living abroad direct seats in both the National Assembly and the Senate. Manga argues that Kenyans abroad contribute significantly through remittances, investments, and skills but lack direct parliamentary representation.
The initiative targets longstanding grievances among Kenyans abroad, including inadequate protection of their property and investments, slow passport processing, and limited involvement in national governance. Manga's proposal seeks to deepen ties between Kenya and its citizens overseas while acknowledging their role in driving economic growth, innovation, and national development.
Manga emphasized that recognizing diaspora contributions should extend beyond financial remittances to creating concrete avenues for participation in governance. The proposed Diaspora County 48 aims to provide a formal say in decisions that shape Kenya's direction. He urged Kenyans abroad to mobilize behind the campaign and support the necessary constitutional changes.
Supporters of the initiative look to President William Ruto's administration to advance discussions on the proposal. They express hope that the government will facilitate consideration of the relevant constitutional and legislative reforms. Any move towards establishing dedicated parliamentary representation for the diaspora would need to go through the applicable constitutional amendment processes.
Kenyan diaspora remittances have continued to grow as a significant contributor to the country's economy. This reinforces calls from various quarters for greater recognition of citizens living abroad. Manga's push comes at a time when the Kenyan diaspora community is seeking more formal recognition and involvement in national affairs.
The proposed Diaspora County 48 has been launched under the slogan "Diaspora County 48 — Our Voice, Our Future." Manga called on Kenyans in different parts of the world to support the campaign. He stated that the initiative would provide a voice in decisions affecting Kenyans abroad, protection for their property and investments, and better passport and consular services.
The recognition of diaspora contributions and the proposed parliamentary representation will likely be a key issue in future discussions on constitutional reforms in Kenya. Manga's initiative has sparked a conversation about the role of Kenyans abroad in shaping the country's future.
Key points
- Kenyans abroad contribute significantly through remittances, investments, and skills but lack direct parliamentary representation.
- The proposed Diaspora County 48 aims to provide Kenyans abroad with direct seats in the National Assembly and Senate.
- Supporters look to President William Ruto's administration to advance discussions on the proposal and facilitate necessary constitutional and legislative reforms.
