Sunday, July 10, 2016
Why Asia is eating everyone's lunch.
Thursday, June 09, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
CORD gets support on calls for IEBC commissioners to vacate office.
– The calls by the CORD for reconstituting of IEBC have received a boost after Kenyans in the diaspora joined to demand the same.
– The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA) also wants the CORD and Jubilee to sit and sort out their differences amicably.
Kenyans in the diaspora have called upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials to vacate office as demanded by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD).
Through a statement wired to newsrooms, the Kenyans through their alliance, the Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), has said that it is irked by the recent developments where violence broke out when the CORD called upon its supporters to protest against the IEBC.
We call for cross-board consensus in seeking a legal, civilized, fair and acceptable solution to the current stalemate.
KDA blames IEBC for the developments, saying the commissioners should put the country ahead of their personal interests.
We especially call upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and its secretariat to soul search and put the greater good of the country before self.
IEBC is the one in the eye of the storm and the single trigger of the current violence. IEBC’s mishandling of the BVR kits that led to bungled 2013 elections and disputed results, allegations of dizzying levels of corruption against the commissioners, and their blatant disregard for constitutional and legal electoral provisions to favour preferred candidates and political parties have collectively rendered the continued presence of some of the commissioners in office anachronistic.
The constitution provides that any Kenyan above the age of 18 years, including those in the diaspora, may register to vote. Kenyan courts of competent jurisdiction have ordered the IEBC to register Kenyans in the diaspora to enable them to participate in general and presidential elections, but the IEBC has ignored the constitutional provisions on the voting rights of diaspora Kenyans and defied court orders on the same.
There are constitutional provisions regarding how the IEBC can be disbanded. However, constitutional and legal provisions do not preclude honourable actions of principle, and time comes when honour must transcend constitutional and legal provisions. It is also critical that the government too thoroughly, swiftly and fairly investigate various allegations of impropriety against adversely mentioned individual commissioners so that those found culpable can face the full force of law to send out a stern warning that Kenyans can no longer tolerate unethical conduct of government officers or their abuse of office.”
Written by Edward Chweya
Tuko News
Monday, May 09, 2016
Dr. EKURU AUKOT IN MICHIGAN-JUNE
Gerald Baraza, President
KDPM
Am happy to inform you that Kenya's 2017 Presidential candidate, Dr. EKURU AUKOT will be in Michigan in June this year. He will speak on:
CONSTITUTIONALISM AND THE RULE OF LAW AS A GROUND FOR FUNCTIONAL STATES & THE SEARCH FOR LEADERSHIP IN AFRICA.
Stay tuned for details. If you are interested in participating in this event or hosting Dr. Ekuru for coffee after the event please get in touch ASAP
Email: kdpm2000@gmail.com
Tel: 616-965-5735
http://www.nation.co.ke/news/politics/-/1064/3119292/-/vw1p83z/-/index.html
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Kenya Diaspora Survey
KENYA DIASPORA 2017 (The Forgotten Kenyans): __________________________________ You are invited to participate in an online survey about the political engagement of diaspora Kenyans. Participation in the study typically takes about 20 minutes and is strictly confidential. The survey collects several types of information: basic demographic data; information about which media sources you consult; your logistical preferences for diaspora voting; factors you are likely to consider when voting; and perspectives on Kenyan politics. Through this research, we hope to gain a better understanding of how the voting rights of diaspora Kenyans can best be implemented. Participants who complete the survey will have the option of entering a random drawing for one of ten $50 cash prizes. Contact information will be collected for this purpose but will not be shared and will not be linked in any way to survey responses. The survey can be accessed at the following link: https://unccprojectmosaic.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6fKoIm55W6Xhhjv Please let us know if you have any questions. We hope you will agree to take the survey, and that you will share the link to the survey with other Kenyans living in the diaspora. Beth Elise Whitaker, Ph.D. | Associate Professor Political Science Honors Program Director UNC Charlotte | Department of Political Science and Public Administration 9201 University City Blvd. | Charlotte, NC 28223 Phone: 704-687-7479 | Fax: 704-687-1400 bwhitaker@uncc.edu http://clas-pages.uncc.edu/beth-whitaker/ Shem J. Ochuodho, MSc (Eng), PhD, LLD (Hon)
Chair, KDA
Saturday, December 19, 2015
ROTATING PRESIDENCY: THIS IS WHAT KENYA NEEDS.
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/presidency-council-eu/
Kenya needs to have a Rotating Presidency System. This will ensure that each region of Kenya gets its chance to produce a President. The term limit can be increased so that one President serves for 6 or 7 years. That is enough time for one to deliver on his vision and promises. Under the current system one region or ethnic group can occupy the presidency forever. This explains why only two ethnic groups have ruled Kenya since independence in 1963. The rest of the tribes feel marginalized and oppressed. It also explains why there is unequal distribution of resources and development in the country.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Sunday, December 13, 2015
45 Kenyans Banned From USA
45 Kenyans banned from US over corruption
1.Deputy President William Ruto
2. Anne Waiguru.
3. Moses Wetangula
4. Ababu Namwamba
5. Cecily Mbarire
6 Ijara MP- Ahmed Abass
7. Davis Chirchir
8. Felix Koskei
9. Kazungu Kambi
10 .Charity Ngilu
11. Engineer Michael Kamau
12 Gladys Shollei
13. Silas Simiyu
14. Francis Kimemia
15. Prof Njuguna Ndungu
16. Mutea iringo
17. Peter Mangiti
18. Nelson Githinji
19. Jane Waikenda
20. Mary Anne Keittany
21. Lillian Ndegwa
22. Nduva Muli
23. Jimmy Kiamba
24. Caroli Omondi
25. Dr Alfred Mutua
26 .Bitange Ndemo
27. James Oswago
28. Godana Doyo
29. Alfred Keter
30. Sonia Birdi
31 Okoth Obado
32. Isaac Ruto.
33 Richard Lang’at
34. Peter Kebati
35, Rebecca Nabutola.
36 Paul Wasanga,
37. Evans Ngibuini
38. Alex Kabuga
39. Charles Tonui.
40. Ukur Yatani
41. Lucy Mbugua
42. Richard Onyonka
43. Peter Munya
44. Zablon Mabeya
45. George Aladwa
Statement By IEBC Chairman Ahmed Isaack Hassan
Full Statement from IEBC - UPDATE ON PREPARATIONS FOR 2017 GENERAL ELECTION
This has been a busy year at the Commission. After the post-election evaluation, the Commission refocused its strategic direction and instituted structural, programmatic and staff changes to enhance its capacity in preparation for 2017 General Election and beyond.
As we come to the end of the year, the Commission would like to announce and update the country on the preparations for the next General Election.
1. ELECTION DATE
The next General Election will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 as per the Constitution. That is only 19 months away or 607 days to be exact.
2. MASS VOTER REGISTRATION
The Commission has continued to register voters as mandated by Article 88(4)(a) of the Constitution to conduct Continuous Registration of Citizens as voters. We have set a target of 22.4 million registered voters for the next General Election, which will be 8 million more than the 14,388,781 registered for the 2013 General Election. It is notable, however, that the
post-2013 continuous voter registration has been slow and uninspiring. Only 106,601 new voters have registered as of June 2015 (see attached data breakdown). In order to upscale this exercise, the Commission will conduct a one-month Mass Voter Registration (MVR) exercise from 15th February to 15th March 2016, during which the Commission targets to register a minimum of 4 million new voters.
We want to urge all eligible Kenyans who have not registered to seize this opportunity to exercise their democratic rights. The Commission call on all stakeholders from civil society, political parties and the government to use this holiday period to sensitize and mobilize the citizens to register en masse during the February Mass Voter Registration.
3. VOTER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Every Kenyan of 18 years and above with valid documents – either a national ID card or passport - is entitled to register and vote or contest in an election. As of December 2014, the National Registration Bureau (NRB) had issued a total of 23.8 million National ID cards. As of July 2015, 284,450 National IDs remained uncollected. In this regard, the Commission is urging the NRB to expedite the registration and issuance of ID cards. We are also calling upon eligible Kenyans to apply for ID cards and those who have not collected theirs to do so in order to register as voters. We repeat: Only ID cards and valid passports will be used for registration.
4. DIASPORA VOTERS
In 2014, the Supreme Court made a ruling on the progressive realization of the democratic rights of Kenyan citizens who reside outside the country as stipulated in the 2010 Constitution. The Court directed the IEBC to initiate "progressive voter registration" and put in place "infrastructure for comprehensive registration so that the number participating shall increase progressively over time".
Consequently, the Commission has adopted a Diasproa Policy to guide the registration and voting by Kenyans abroad. It is now in the process of developing accompanying regulations. The Commission recognizes the challenge of establishing the actual number of Kenyans living abroad or their locations because many do not register with the missions. The decision on the number and countries where polling stations will be set up will be based on the number of those who express interest to register as voters. The policy sets a minimum of 3000 registered Kenyan citizens per country and the existence of a Kenyan diplomatic mission or consulate as some of the criteria to be used in determining the provision of electoral services. The Commission is in the process of establishing baseline data for purposes of setting up registration centres for the Kenyan Diaspora.
The Policy is on the IEBC website and Kenyans are welcome to give their feedback.
5. REFERENDUM
A month ago on 9th November 2015, the Commission received the Draft Bill for the amendment of the Constitution through the popular initiative,
commonly known as Okoa Kenya Referendum. The Commission has started the process of verifying the signatures, which is a laborious exercise, because the documents were submitted in hard copy. This has slowed down the process but it is ongoing.
6. COMMISSION CONCERNS
While the Commission continues with its preparations for the 2017 General Election, it would be futile if other stakeholders don’t play their role in facilitating, or ensuring a conducive electoral environment. The Commission is particularly concerned with the following:
Funding:
The Commission presented its budget to the National Treasury for all electoral activities up to 2017. Out of the budget of KSh2billion for the comprehensive Mass Voter Registration, the Commission received only KShs 500 million. The shortfall has serious implications on the registration exercise.
From our evaluation of the last elections, late and inadequate funding remains one of the main challenges to the Commission’s ability to perform its mandate efficiently. We are calling on The National Treasury to provide adequate and timely funding to enable the Commission prepare for the election adequately.
Electoral Reforms:
As you are aware, in September, the Commission submitted the Elections Amendment Bill to Parliament, which among others contains proposed
changes to regulations on voter registration, voter education. The Commission is also working on new regulations on campaign financing and party nominations (pursuant to Article 88 (4)(d) and Article 90 of the Constitution), which will streamline the electoral practice. . We urge Parliament to expedite the passage of these legislation to avoid last minute changes to the election laws that will wrong foot the Commission’s election management plans.
Security:
Free and fair elections cannot be held in an insecure environment. The Commission therefore regrets the growing prevalence of hate speech that is polarizing the country. We urge the relevant state agencies to move with speed to arrest this potential threat to the electoral process.
Similarly, there are parts of the country that are experiencing border and inter-communal conflict. This will impede the voter registration unless the situation is urgently controlled.
6. ROAD MAP TO 2017 GENERAL ELECTION
The Commission wishes to reassure all Kenyans, stakeholders and partners of its commitment to stage an efficient and credible election in 2017. We will keep the country periodically updated on the preparations through regular briefings. On 14th January 2016, the Commission will unveil its roadmap to the next election.
Asanteni Sana.
AHMED ISSACK HASSAN
Saturday, August 30, 2014
DR. NKOSAZANA’S “AGENDA 2063″: AFRICAN UNITY
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Counter Africa Summit on August 4, 2014 at Howard University.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
POSTPONEMENT OF THE TOWN HALL MEDIA MEETINGS AS SIDE-EVENTS FOR ENGAGEMENT OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA
Dear All, The African Union Commission wishes to inform the African Diaspora Community that the Town Hall meetings designed as side-events of the Africa-US Leaders Summit to engage the African Diaspora media on the implementation of the AU Communication strategy and Agenda 2063 in Washington and New York on 4 and 8 August 2014 has been postponed. The events will be rescheduled to take place on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September 2014. The event has been postponed because CIDO and the Directorate of information and Communication that were organizing the meeting were advised to change the dates to avoid perceived logistic and political difficulties surrounding the Africa-US Leaders Summit. The Commission wishes to thank Diaspora personalities and institutions for their commitment and support for the program and the efforts that they have invested to mobilize Diaspora communities and build up momentum for the event. Furthermore, we wish to encourage wide participation in events organized by the Diaspora Community around the Africa-US Summit. The delegation of the African Union Commission to the Summit and the AU office in Washington will do all that they can to ensure that the Diaspora Community are well-briefed on Summit events and outcomes. It is important to emphasize that the commitment of the AU to engage the Diaspora media as a vehicle for building a comprehensive stakeholder community in the Union that involves all sectors of society remains paramount. Thus the media event has not been cancelled but has been postponed to facilitate a more focused and wider broad approach church within a more suitable political environment. The Commission deeply regrets any inconvenience that this may have caused. The Directorate of Information and Communication and CIDO are liaising appropriately with the higher authorities of the Commission to fix new and precise dates for this event in September that will not be subject to further changes. We request your kind tolerance and understanding in this process and will communicate the new dates and venue soon. We continue to ask for your support to make the events a success in September 2014. Diaspora Division Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) AU Commission
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Not everyone called 'thief' is a thief, and not everyone who shouts 'baggage' is clean!
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Press Release
Kenyans in diaspora warn state against isolating the West
Friday, June 06, 2014
Kenyans in the Diaspora will now fully participate in the general elections beginning 2017.
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Kenyan envoy to US defends staff in ethics row
Body formed to boost investment by Kenyans in the diaspora
Uhuru's new appointee faces herculean task at Diaspora docket
Thursday, August 08, 2013
A Brief History of the Struggle for Diaspora Representation and Why We Must Rise Again
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
CONSTITUTING KDA/DIASPORA TECHNICAL TASK TEAMS FOR EXTERNAL/ELECTRONIC VOTING
Monday, March 12, 2012
“We will not be left out” – Diaspora Say
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
IEBC IN USA
Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will be in the United States to learn and share views on the issue of Diaspora registration and voting. They will meet with the International Foundation of Elections Systems (IFES), representatives of embassies of countries whose Diaspora in the US votes, Maryland State Board of Elections, Federal Elections Commission (FEC). In addition, they will meet with Kenyans in the Diaspora in the following areas: Washington DC, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Raleigh and Boston.
When:Dec 4 – 15, 2011
Where: Washington DC, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Raleigh and Boston. (map)
Description:(For further details: please visit: http://kenyaembassy.com/news11252011iebc.html