The push by the Kenyan diaspora to have Constituency 291 entrenched into law has gained momentum with the proponents officially presenting a petition to Parliament for constitutional recognition.
The petition was delivered by Bernard Kavyu and diaspora leaders to the Deputy High Commissioner Ambassador Joe Warui at Kenya’s High Commission in London.
In their petition, the leaders are calling for the appointment of two diaspora representatives, one in the National Assembly and one in the Senate, to ensure full political inclusion for Kenyans living abroad.
Supported by over 100 signatories from diaspora communities across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eurasia, and Oceania, the petition aims to secure the political voice of the diaspora in Kenya’s governance, Kyavu said.
It aligns with the Constitution’s provisions for inclusive representation, highlighting the need for diaspora participation in national decision-making.
"Representation is not just a right; it is an acknowledgment of our contributions and our place in Kenya’s future,” he stated.
Without legislative action, Kyavu noted, Constituency 291 risks exclusion in future boundary reviews by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) hence undermining the diaspora’s representation.
He noted that despite contributing more than $4 billion (Sh520 billion) annually in remittances exceeding foreign aid and tourism revenues, the diaspora remains excluded from meaningful political processes.
The petition advocates for two parliamentary seats-one in the National Assembly under Article 97 for special interest groups and one in the Senate under Article 98 for marginalized groups.
Regional Coordinators from key diaspora areas, including the USA, Trinidad & Tobago, and Qatar, have also voiced their support for the initiative.
“The establishment of Constituency 291 is not just a demand for inclusion but a step toward realising the full potential of our contributions to Kenya’s development. Representation is a fundamental right, and this is our moment to claim it,” he added.
The petition also calls for greater diaspora voter participation, urging expanded polling centers and increased voter education to overcome logistical barriers faced by overseas voters.
By securing Constituency 291, Diaspora County 48 aims to ensure that the contributions of Kenyans abroad are fully recognised and that they have a direct role in shaping national policy.
Drawing on successful models of diaspora representation in countries like France, Italy, and Senegal, the petition represents a call for Kenya to embrace its global citizens in the democratic process.
"This petition is a critical step toward inclusivity and equity in Kenya’s governance,” Kyavu added.
While the long-term goal of having the 48th county remains important, Kyavu said the establishment of the Constituency is a viable and necessary move to address the historical exclusion of the diaspora.