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The Nairobian

Kenyan diaspora seeks voice in Parliament with petition

National

By David Njaaga | Dec 03, 2024

**Deputy High Commissioner Joe Warui (centre), Governor Bernard Kavyu (right) and other diaspora leaders at the Kenya High Commission in London.**

Kenyan diaspora leaders have petitioned Parliament to entrench Constituency 291 into law and appoint two diaspora representatives to Parliament.

Governor Bernard Kavyu and other leaders from Diaspora County 48 delivered the petition to Deputy High Commissioner Ambassador Joe Warui at the Kenya High Commission in London on Monday, December 3.

The petition, signed by 105 diaspora leaders from North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eurasia, and Oceania, calls for formal recognition of the diaspora’s role in Kenya’s governance.

It also requests the appointment of one representative to the National Assembly and another to the Senate, ensuring Kenyan citizens abroad have a voice in legislative processes.

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“This is not just a demand for inclusion but a step towards realising the full potential of our contributions to Kenya’s development,” said Governor Kavyu.

The petition advocates for establishing Constituency 291, which the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) could create through boundary reviews under Article 89 of the Constitution.

Leaders argue that the diaspora risks exclusion without legislative action during future boundary revisions.

Diaspora leaders also pointed out that, despite sending more than USD 4 billion annually in remittances, they are excluded from full political participation.

Currently, diaspora citizens can only vote in presidential elections, not for parliamentary seats or other elective positions.