Former Kiss FM presenter Phelix Odiwuor popularly known as Jalang’o has sensationally claimed that over 30 million Kenyans applied for the just concluded Diversity Green Card Lottery DV 2024.
The registration period for the DV-2024 Program, popularly known as green card lottery, began on October 5th, 2022 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time (EDT). It concluded on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 12:00 noon. Going by the statistics of those who applied through Diasporamessenger.com link, the program attracted a large number of Kenyans this year. This number is more than has been witnessed before. Jalango suggests that about 30 million Kenyans participated.
Jalango wondered that if 30 million Kenyans applied for the DV-2024 and are ready to give up their citizenship, then it means that only about 20 million Kenyans are interested to live in Kenya. Jalongo’s figures may not be correct. However, there is a fact that majority of Kenyans would move out of Kenya given an opportunity. It’s remarkable that Jalango mentions 30 million Kenyans considering this option.
While travelling recently through the Middle East, this writer witnessed very many Kenyans working in these countries. They are in every sector, from the Airports, retail, transport to domestic work. Kenyans are not only in the Middle East but they are all over the world. It is not bad for Kenyans to work and live in other Countries. However, the majority of those who migrate are highly skilled in many areas. They represent scarce human resources that is needed in Kenya.
The brain drain should be a concern for the Kenya Government. If the scenario of majority wanting to migrate is true, then we have a big problem in Kenya. The new administration needs to address this issue urgently. They have to come up with a way to create jobs within the country, especially given Jalango’s claim about 30 million Kenyans looking to migrate.
Anyway, good luck to those who applied for the Diversity Green Card Visa. Once successful, the next biggest obstacle will be finding a new home in the US. It is good to start thinking about it. Good thing is that it has been done before, and there are many programs that can help.
By Diaspora Messenger Reporter.
