The 10th Annual Kenya Diaspora Homecoming Convention, held from December 6-8, 2023, has wrapped up with resounding success, shedding light on the indispensable role of the global African Diaspora in propelling Kenya’s economic future.

The convention, a gathering of over 1,000 in-person participants and a global virtual audience, showcased the diverse talent dispersed among the 210 million diaspora members worldwide. These individuals, excelling in various industries and professions globally, bring invaluable human capital to contribute to both short- and long-term development goals in Africa.

The Principal Pecretary of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roselyn Njogu, affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing diaspora concerns and ensuring their well-being as Kenyan citizens.

The event garnered broad support from local and international dignitaries, business leaders, and corporations. Featuring more than 50 exhibitors, including WIDU grantees, the convention became a platform for insi
ghtful discussions led by seasoned business leaders, KDA Global Chair Dr. Shem Ochuodho, and industry experts.

Dr. Ochuodho expressed optimism, highlighting the convention as proof of the diaspora’s support and its potential to significantly benefit the Kenyan economy.

A notable aspect of the convention was the growing recognition of the diaspora as a valuable asset. Many African countries are opening their doors to this resource, evident through substantial family contributions via regular remittances, surpassing financial assistance from Western and Eastern sources combined.

In a thought-provoking speech titled ‘Why Africa Why Kenya,’ American Ambassador Meg Whitman emphasized Kenya’s abundant resources and strategic positioning as a key player in becoming an international economic powerhouse.

Ethiopia’s Deputy Director General, Mr. Mohammed Endris, emphasized the unifying bond of pan-Africanism between Kenyans and Ethiopians, urging collaboration in exploiting Africa’s vast resources for the collective
good.

The convention’s ‘Deal Room’ facilitated meaningful connections between diaspora businesses and Kenyan entrepreneurs. Key discussions included Solid Waste Management for counties, cold storage solutions to reduce post-harvest losses, and financing for real estate development contributing to affordable housing projects.

Recognising the diaspora’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic soundness and human development, the convention underscored substantial contributions from the America-based diaspora, both individually and through taxpayer-funded grants and non-profit donations. Real estate development, buoyed by diaspora purchasers seeking retirement residences, is on the rise, bringing in millions of dollars in retirement income as the American population ages.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a 25-year-old trade agreement with the USA, holds significant promise for supporting the Kenyan economy through reduced tariffs on exports and job creation.

The convention emphasized the importance o
f involving the diaspora as trading partners in the US marketplace to maximize AGOA’s benefits.

Additionally, the ‘Prosper Africa’ program, coordinated by fourteen US government agencies, aims to assist Africa’s economic growth, with future KDA programs focusing on deepening diaspora trade and investment.

Source: Kenya News Agency

WINDHOEK: A group of the boxing community calling themselves a ‘concerned group’ has declared its intention to pass a vote of no confidence in the current administration running the Namibia Amateur Boxing Federation (NABF).

The group is claiming that the current executive board has failed to revive amateur boxing in the country since taking office on 01 December 2020.

Speaking at a media conference here on Tuesday, the group’s spokesperson Karen Shikongo revealed that earlier this year they had met with the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) where an ultimatum was issued to the NABF leadership to address the situation. However, since then, no significant action has been taken to address the concerns of stakeholders.

Shikongo listed the lack of interest in promoting the sport, and the lack of capacity to initiate boxing development programs, as well as the inability to execute their mandate as some of the reasons for the vote of no confidence.

‘Previously, we would have a pool of 10 boxers forming part of the
national team, but for the past seven years, only four boxers have been chosen. Currently, we are uncertain if we will have a boxer representing our country in the upcoming Olympics because no new talent has been discovered and those currently on the team are struggling,’ she lashed.

However, NSC Chief Administrator Freddy Mwiya on Friday told the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation Sports Show that the group’s actions were illegal, as only the 14 regions can pass such a vote.

‘In February this year, the NABF took resolutions to hold elections in three regions and organize a boxing tournament in Swakopmund. The election was for three regions: Omaheke, Oshana, and /Karas. However, they encountered difficulties with the /Karas region, which only had one boxing club, making it impossible to hold the election there. As for their second resolution a boxing tournament was held in Swakopmund this year,’ said Mwiya.

He therefore called on the group to familiarise themselves with the Sports Act as well as their organi
sation statutes and acts.

Shikongo also criticized the sports commission for taking sides, despite the NABF’s failure to select a national team for the past seven years, hence their decision to immediately dissolve the current NABF leadership.

An interim committee will be selected to run the affairs of the amateur boxing federation until their next annual general meeting where new leadership will be elected.

The current NABF executive members are Benjamin Rebang (president), Jeremia Ndjembo (deputy), Lisias Hangula (deputy public relations officer), Israel Hamutumbagela, Bernard Kamatoto, Selma Shikukumwa, Immanuel Hamukwaya, Maria Iikela, Petrus Kashango, and Patrick Siluka.
Source: Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA)