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About Kenya!
Kenya is named after a mountain of the same name. The Kikuyu people who lived around present day Mt Kenya referred to it as Kirinyaga or Kerenyaga, meaning mountain of whiteness because of its snow capped peak. Mt Kirinyaga which was the main landmark became synonymous with the territory the British later claimed as their colony.
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Tourism
Kenya is a traditional tourist destination. Following the concept of tour, trade and then invest, the oldest recorded tourists to Kenya went with the aim of trading with the East African coastal settlements. Apart from the early Arab traders, on 28th February 1498, a Portuguese sailor (tourist?),
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Doing Business with Kenya
Kenya has a free enterprise economy and the strongest industrial base in the eastern and central African region. In 2003 Kenya’s estimated population was 32.2 million, an increase of over 3 million when compared to the figure of 28.7 million people recorded during the last population
Courtesy of KSTP TV -Minneapolis and St. Paul
THE DRAFT DIASPORA POLICY OF KENYA – An opportunity
Early this year the Government released the Draft Diaspora Policy of Kenya. This signals the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for Diaspora engagement, and an opportunity for the Diaspora to determine how they wish to engage with the government in shaping the future social, economic and political destiny of Kenya.
The Embassy in Washington, D.C, wishes to encourage Kenyans in the United States to critically review the draft policy, discuss it, and provide your input before the policy is finalized. It has taken a long time for a Diaspora policy to be formulated. However, the policy will be meaningless if it does not incorporate the considered views of the Diaspora. It is a Diaspora Policy, which means that the Diaspora is the key stakeholder for this policy.
We propose that the Diaspora groups convene meetings/workshops to discuss the draft policy and send your ideas in writing to the Embassy for forwarding to Nairobi. This policy is domiciled in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and it is the intention of the Ministry to have it finalized and published by June 2012. Time is therefore of essence!
In reviewing the policy we suggest that you consider the following:-
· Are the outcomes of the policy clearly stated?
· What assumption does the policy make?
· Is the policy in line with the general direction that Kenya is headed, e.g. Vision 2030, the Constitution, etc?
· Has stakeholder involvement been incorporated throughout the policy development?
· Has Diaspora interest been given a high priority?
· Are the policy outcomes measurable?
· Are there resources to implement the policy?
· What is the accountability structure and mechanism for the policy?
· Does history inform the policy?
· Is the policy in line with the current constitutional dispensation (and the spirit of the new constitution?).
These are but ideas that may assist in your conversations. You are welcome to adopt any other approach in reviewing the policy.
Please note that the review of the draft policy and the ideas to be incorporated should be conducted in a participatory and inclusive manner. Individual blogs in response to the draft policy are not likely to be considered. Remember, there are close to half a million Kenyans in the US!! It is therefore incumbent on Diaspora groups to convene themselves, have discussions, and submit a written report, clearly indicating the participants involved in the discussions.
Please submit your reports to the Embassy not later than 15th May, 2012 to diaspora@kenyaembassy.com
The Embassy contact person for the policy process is Ms. Nairimas Ole-Sein, Counselor/DEP.
I thank you all in advance for your participation in this very important and historical process.
Please find the draft policy on the following link:
http://www.kenyaembassy.com/pdfs/DraftDiasporaPolicyofKenya.pdf
Mungu aibariki Kenya, na tujivunie kuwa Wakenya!
Elkanah Odembo
Ambassador
March 15, 2012
News & Events
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA H.E STEPHEN KALONZO MUSYOKA IN WASHINGTON D.C
H.E. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Vice President and Minister for Home Affairs of Kenya is scheduled to make an official visit the United States from 19th to 23rd May, 2012. During thisvisit, H.E. th . ..more
BROOKINGS EVENT - KENYA IN TRANSITION: A CONVERSATION WITH VICE PRESIDENT STEPHEN KALONZO MUSYOKA. ..link
HIGHER EDUCATION LOANS BOARD RECOVERY UPDATE AND PAYMENT OPTIONS. ..link
EASTERN AFRICA REGIONAL CULTURAL DAY – MAY 18, 2012
The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Washington D.C. cordially invites friends of Kenya and members of the public to the Eastern Africa Regional Cultural Day. Other Embassie. ..more
Embassy bulletin - Volume 1, issue 3. ..link
KENYA DIASPORA ADVISORY COUNCILS
The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Washington D.C. is encouraging Keny . ..more
KENYA ATHLETES SCOOP TOP PLACES IN WASHINGTON DC CHERRY BLOSSOM TEN MILE RUN
In a sterling performance Allan Kiprono set a new course record this morning, finishing the race in 45:15. Lani Kiplagat and John Korir came in 2nd and 3rd with times of 46:28 and 47:33 r. ..more
5th KENYA SCHOLARS & STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE. ..link
THE DRAFT DIASPORA POLICY OF KENYA - AN OPPORTUNITY
Early this year the Government released the Draft Diaspora Policy. This signals the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Diaspora engagement, and an oppo. ..more
REMITTANCES JUMPED TO SH75.7 BILLION ($891.1 MILLION) THANKS TO CENTRAL BANK (CBK'S) AGGRESSIVE MARKETING OF THE DIASPORA-TARGETED TREASURY BONDS. . ..link
INVITATION TO INVEST IN THE 12 YEAR GOVERNMENT OF KENYA INFRASTUCTURE BOND ISSUE NO. IFB1/2011/12 TAP SALES OFFER
The Central Bank of Kenya in its capacity as fiscal agent to the Government of Kenya and in line with the commitment to ensure access to fin. ..more
Central Bank Infrastructure Bond with Kenyan Diaspora Component. ..link
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