The Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant workers this weekend retreated to enhance capacity on matters relating to diaspora remittances and migration among other issues affecting the Kenyan Diaspora. The retreat held in Mombasa County also provided the Members a platform to review the Committee’s agenda and consider its progress report.

The Committee which was established at the beginning of the 13th Parliamentary has in the last few weeks been engaging stakeholders in a bid to brainstorm on legislative interventions required to improve the welfare of Kenyans in the Diaspora and Migrant Workers.

Last week, the Committee held an engagement with Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, over diaspora remittances and investment opportunities available for the Diaspora Community.

During the retreat’s opening session, Chairperson Hon. Haika Mizighi thanked the Members for the tremendous achievements that the Committee has realised in the last few months.

The Committee also engaged Dr. Luchetu Likaka, an expert on matters Labour migration and Diaspora Affairs . He led discussions on issues revolving around diaspora remittances and migration, financial and regulatory environment, policy gaps and other issues affecting the Kenyan Diaspora. 

Additionally, the Members were enlightened on the mechanisms for engaging the Diaspora. The expert also took them through  emerging issues in policy and legislation around migration issues and Diaspora Remittances.

The Committee has now resolved to address the legislative gaps on affairs of diaspora and migrant workers by through a Bill which is proposed among others, to provide for the improved welfare of migrant workers.