Brussels
Kenyan Diaspora Town Hall Meeting 13/12/2011
The Kenyan Embassy in Brussels and the Association of Kenyans in Belgium and Luxembourg (AKDBL) held their first town hall meeting in Gent on Saturday 3 December 2011.
H.E. Mr. Kembi-Gitura, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the European Union, graced the event and spoke with Kenyans on a number of issues. In his statement, he thanked all Kenyans for attending the meeting and for upholding a sense of national pride. He touched on key issues of considerable importance, such as the question of dual nationality, the right to vote as well as the current political and economic situation in Kenya. In the meeting, Kenyans were allowed to voice their concerns and ask questions regarding dual nationality and the right to vote. It was an open discussion, giving each person the liberty to share their concerns.
Additionally, the meeting provided a means through which Kenyans could share how they could give back to their homeland. Mrs. Anna Martin gave a briefing on her successful work in Kericho, where she has spearheaded support for orphans. She invited Kenyans to collaborate and participate by offering their support to the less fortunate in Kenya through her foundation, "International Friendship for Development", or through other means. This, indeed, was an inspiring story which was to re-ignite connectedness with our homeland for development.
The meeting also discussed M-PESA and the opportunities for Kenyans abroad, who can effectively use the system to send money to their loved ones. In a very informative discussion, led by Mr. George Njoroge, the meeting was taken through the details of international money transfers and the benefits of using M-Pesa.
The next Town Hall meeting is expected to be held in Antwerp in the month of March 2012.