The Kisii County government is seeking to recruiting professional talent from the diaspora, Kisii County Governor James Ongwae has disclosed.
Speaking to Kenyans living in Houston, Texas during the first annual Mashujaa Awards Ceremony held over the weekend, Mr Ongwae said time had come to recognise the important role played by Kenyans in the Diaspora in national development.
“As a County government we are advertising every job opening not just locally but also internationally. We are particularly encouraging Kenyans in the Diaspora to apply for the jobs. As we speak right now, we are processing applications from the Diaspora for some positions that require to be filled,” he said to a thunderous applause.
DEVOLVED DECISION MAKING ORGANS
Mr Ongwae, who was the guest of honour said that devolution will impact positively on the lives of Kenyans as decision making and service delivery has now been brought closer to the ordinary citizen.
“This growth can only be realised by tapping into the synergies and comparative advantages from all stakeholders. The Diaspora is one of the critical stakeholders in the development process of our country,” he said.
Kisii and Nyamira counties have been praised for spearheading the involvement of Kenyans living abroad in their affairs.
The governor’s move to involve the Diaspora in the county’s development is considered by many observers as both pragmatic and practical. This is because the county has a very large number of its community members living in the US.
Speaking at the same function, Dr Dan Mugubi, the Chairman of Bosi International, a charity that organised the celebrations said the occasion was meant to honour those in the Diaspora who went beyond their call of duty to touch the lives of those in need.
“Mashujaa are entrepreneurs, academicians, attorneys and professional who open their doors to strangers, feed the hungry and help their countrymen. Mashujaa rise to the occasion beyond tribal lines, race, sexual orientation, religion and nationalities. These are the people we are recognising today,” he said.
PLANS TO MAKE THE EVENT ANNUAL UNDERWAY
Founder, president and CEO of the Mashujaa Awards, Mr Albert Musasia, said he plans to make the occasion an annual event.
He attributed the large turn out to the increasing interest within the Diaspora community to participate in Kenya’s development.
“Kenyans abroad are ready to be a part of causes that are bigger than themselves. They are ready to be part of the Diaspora community and to contribute to the betterment of their country of origin. We are facilitating that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kenyan professionals from western Kenya living in the Diaspora have been challenged to join their compatriots back at home in taking advantage of investment opportunities that devolution has presented.
“Because of devolution, you now have a chance to shape the destiny of your county,” said Luhya Elders Forum Chairman and Nominated Member of Parliament Patrick Wangamati in Toronto, Canada during the 5th annual Abeingo Association of Canada scholarship fundraising dinner.
He said there are various opportunities in the country that the people in the Diaspora can invest in such as farming, real estate, industries, hospitality and educational institutions.
Wangamati commended the Abeingo Association for its commitment to providing scholarships to youth in Kenya, especially the HIV/AIDS orphans.
He pointed out the importance of Kenyans living in the Diaspora to give back to their communities through such programs.
“You should take advantage of your better living standards, better education and knowledge to empower the communities from where you come from,” said Wangamati.-Chris Wamalwa-nation
