My intention to hold consultative meetings with our diaspora in Mombasa and Nairobi, has elicited a debate with several contributors arguing that these visits have no value. After going through the many contributions, I am convinced that the correct thing is to make the meetings materialize and I will explain why I am so convinced. So that we all have a common understanding, diaspora is defined as a scattered population with a common origin in a smaller geographical area. I would like now to use the history of the nation of Israel to show the importance of the diaspora. When Canaan was devastated by famine, some Israelis migrated to Egypt. After 400 years of bondage and slavery, and led by Moses they moved back and rebuilt their homeland. The kingdom of Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722bc; the kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonians and Jerusalem was destroyed. The Israelis were exiled to Babylon. Even after 100 years, The immigrants did not sever their emotional linkage to their homeland. I am sure many have heard of the song.... By the rivers of Babylon.... You may also read psalms 137:5-6. Following a decree by the Persian king, Jews set out to return under the leadership of Zimbbabel and later Ezra. This group from the diaspora rebuilt Jerusalem. The roman empire plundered Jerusalem between 70 AD and 132 AD. Again returning immigrants rebuilt Jerusalem. At the end of 19th century and beginning of 20th century, two major influxes from eastern Europe arrived back in Israel. The returning immigrants reclaimed barren land and built new settlements. After the 1st world war successive waves of immigrants arrived to Israel between 1919 and 1939. A group of 35000 came from Russia and laid the foundation of socio economic infrastructure, agriculture and the cooperative form of rural settlements. A group of 60000 came from Poland and established small businesses, construction firms and light industry. a group of 165000 of professionals came back from Germany and help to spearhead innovation and raise standards across the board. After the second world war, many more immigrants moved back to Israel from all over the world increasing the population, introducing and innovating technology in a wide variety of disciplines including the armed forces. In summary it is my submission that for the case of Israel, the diaspora was the reserve resource and force that rebuilt this nation after successive destruction by its enemy. Others have argued that its diaspora shaped its current destiny, shape and form. If we come closer to home, CBK reports show that money remitted by the Kenyans(including Taita-Tavetas) in the diaspora amounted to us dollars 1.6 billion in the course of last year. This is equivalent to ksh 136 billion. Putting this into context of devolution, the total amount of money allocated to county governments amount to ksh210 billion. So the remittances from the diaspora can finance the budgets of 30 counties. In my lifetime, I have attended many harambees for schools, churches and other public as well as personal necessities. In a majority of those harambees the chief guests came from the diaspora. As you may recall, on 2nd November we organized the first ever mining expo and miss tourism contest. The contributions (time, mental, financial and external linkages) from the diaspora was immense. I want to conclude by saying that from the foregoing, the diaspora is an important part of our population and it is in interest of our County to make sure that they are appraised of our plans just like those of us that live within. Brothers and sisters, this is what has reinforce my conviction that the meetings should proceed as planned. Governor John Mruttu Like · Top Comments Taita Taveta County Shadow Government First things first.Start with basics.Can the governors office tell us how much money is going to be used and the returns expected.WHY Dont you organize for an investment conference.If its diaspora ,why shouldnt you go to potential county and non count citizens investors abroad? Why conduct meetings with people from Mombasa and Nairobi while you can do the same at the governors office through tele or video conferencing?Why do meetings in Mombasa while here at home you dont engage citizens on crucial issues through such platforms.Issues like finance bill where you have decided to tax even burial search per grave at 3000 shillings,and all medical services even anti bioethics @150 shillings deserves wide public consultations at home ,yet you have not even hard any.Why TTCDF and at whose expenses?Why dont you use the same money to provide relief food and water to avert deaths like the one which has happened in Manganga where the hungry child of ten years was today killed by fallen quarry when she was making gravel so that they can sell to get food and water? What is the relevance of the Madagascar trip by Some ECs and some MCAs who conspired with executive to secretly travel to Madagascar a politically unstable country in the name of learning best practices on mining.If the trip was necessary,why not Botswana or Thailand? The fact that the governor has ignored citizens concerns against these Nairobi Mombasa cash cows fora portrays him as somebody who is fixed minded and careless about citizens concerns. Lastly,why are you not sharing public documents like the detailed badget,bills,CIDP and other public information .Aint you transparent and accountable to the people?WE ARE WATCHING KINLY. Like · Reply · 51 minutes ago via mobile Taita Taveta County Shadow Government Old tricks same results, its a big shame, however the clock is ticking as we continue to remain where we were 8 months ago, while counties such as homa bay and machakos are grounded in moving forward. Like · Reply · about an hour ago via mobile
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 18:46:49 +0000