Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ The 2024 Diaspora Trade and Investment Summit, set to take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has faced significant obstacles as several key Kenyan speakers have been prevented from attending due to government restrictions. The summit, organized by the Association of Kenyan Diaspora Organizations, Inc., aims to foster trade and investment opportunities between diaspora entrepreneurs and Kenyan stakeholders. However, four members of the Kenyan parliament, Richard Momoima Onyonka, Okiya Omutatah, Carren Nyamu, and Dr. Manduku, were reportedly denied travel due to withheld passports and a lack of executive clearance.
The only confirmed speaker from Kenya, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, will deliver the keynote address, offering insights on opportunities for the diaspora despite these challenges.
The absence of these prominent figures has raised eyebrows, especially given recent political developments. Senators Onyonka and Omutatah have been outspoken critics of alleged scandals involving President William Ruto’s administration, including the controversial Adani takeover, which has sparked intense public and parliamentary debates in Kenya.
Despite these setbacks, the summit’s organizing committee remains focused on the event’s success, encouraging members of the diaspora to participate actively. The summit, scheduled from September 27 to 28 at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, operates under the theme “Leveraging the Diaspora – The Frontier Gateway for Partnerships and Growth.” The program includes panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, all aimed at strengthening trade links between the diaspora and Kenya.
The event will also showcase products and services from diaspora entrepreneurs, aiming to attract potential investors and collaborators. However, the absence of the four parliamentarians has led some attendees to question the Kenyan government’s support for diaspora-led initiatives.
Beyond investment opportunities, the summit will provide a forum for the Kenyan diaspora to discuss pressing issues such as migration, asylum seekers, and global challenges affecting Kenyans abroad. The summit seeks to foster dialogue, offer solutions, and deepen connections between the Kenyan diaspora and their homeland.
