New Bill Proposes MP to Represent Kenyans in the Diaspora in Parliament

Kenyans in the diaspora could soon have an MP representing them in parliament if a new Bill is approved.

The Bill tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday by Ndia MP George Kariuki proposes that Kenyans abroad be allowed to nominate an MP to represent their interests in parliament.

"Kenyans in the diaspora contribute significantly to the economy and, therefore, require an avenue to participate in the political space of their home country," says Kariuki.

This is the latest Bill touching on Kenyans in the diaspora to be introduced in parliament after the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2020. 

The bill sponsored by Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata seeks to encourage Kenyans abroad to invest back home by offering them special incentives, including wealth protection.

It requires the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Foreign Affairs Ministry to create a voluntary savings scheme for Kenyans in the diaspora.

“The Cabinet Secretary, may in consultations with the Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and the governor of Central Bank, develop policies and programs offering incentives to Kenyans living abroad to invest in Kenya,” the Bill states.

The bill further requires Foreign Affairs CS, in collaboration with Treasury CS, and CBK governor to establish a database giving information on projects in Kenya that Kenyans in the diaspora can invest in.

The three are further required to institute measures for the prevention of fraudulent practices that discourage Kenyans abroad from investing back home.