Kenyan Diaspora Conference

International Conference & Investment Forum on

"The Role of the Kenyan Diaspora in Kenya's Development"

Kennesaw State University, March 22-24, 2007

Tentative Conference Program

Thursday, March 22, 2007

12:00 pm - 6:00pm		REGISTRATION & INFORMATION (New Social Sciences Building Atrium)
6:00 pm - 8:00pm		WELCOME, RECOGNITION & INTRODUCTION: Dr. Akanmu Adebayo Plenary Session #1: (SO 1021) Olubayi Olubayi. Rutger University: “The Emerging Culture of National Unity in Kenya”

Friday, March 23, 2007
8:00 am - 5:00pm	REGISTRATION & INFORMATION (Student Center, Student Activity Room Atrium)
9:00 am - 10:30 am		OPENING CEREMONIES (UR A-E, Student Center) Greeting from Dr. Daniel S. Papp, President of Kennesaw State University Greeting from H.E. Oginga Ogego, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the U.S. Greeting from Hon. Amos Kimunya, Minister of Finance Greeting from AKPA Greeting from KNDC Keynote Address: Dr. Eric Aseka, Fulbright Scholar-in-resident at KSU from Kenyatta University: “History Culture and National Development: The Role of Kenyan Diaspora in Constructing a New Politics of Culture and Identity”
10:30am - 10:45am		BREAK
10:45 am - 12:15 pm		Mapping and Understanding Kenyan Diaspora #1 (UR A) Chair: Dr. Garrett Smith, Department of Geography and Anthropology, KSU Dr. Martin Mbaye & Dr. Michael J. Levin, Harvard University: “Kenyan Across the Kenya-United State Corridor: What the 2000 US Census Tells us about the Diaspora” Maria M. Kioko, Rutger University: “Diaspora in Global Development: First Generation Kenyan in the USA” Dr. Kefa M. Otiso, Bowling Green State University: “A Geodemographic Analysis of Kenyan Immigration to the United States.”	Kenya Today: Challenges and Opportunities for Development (UR E) Chair: Dr. Ryan Ronnenberg, Department of History, KSU Jerry Okungu, NEPAD Secretariat, Kenya: “The Politics of Ethnicity, National Resources and Media Biases in Kenya Today.” Jesse Benjamin, Kennesaw State University: “Issues of representation in the Academy and in the Kenyan Diaspora: Power and Colonial Legacies in Construction of Knowledge about Kenya’s Coastal History.”	Defining Kenyan Diaspora Through the Arts (UR C) Chair: Dr. Rosa Bobia, Director, Center for African and African, KSU. Gichingiri Ndigirigi, Knoxville, TN: “What’s My Nation? Vision of a New Global Order in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Wizard of the Crow.” Dr. Jean Ngoya Kidula, Hodgson School of Music, Athens, GA: “Nostalgia and Reinvention of in the Preservation of Kenya’s Music in the US” Dr. Margaret Baldwin & Dr. Karen Robinson, Kennesaw State University: “You Always Go Home: The Power of Narration and Memory among Kenyan Students.”	Kenyan Diaspora, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Kenya’s Development #1 (UR D) Chair: Dr. Fulbert Leon Namwamba, Southern University, Baton Rouge. Ruth Theuri, Uhuru Open, “Attracting Resources and Engaging Stakeholders.” Denniston Bonadie, Rutgers University & Global Literacy Project, Inc.: “More than just ‘Development through Harambee’? A Role for the Kenyan Diaspora in Kenya’s Development” Njeri Marekia-Cleaveland, University of Georgia, “UGA’s Initiatives with African Immigrants in Georgia”	The Investment Climate in Kenya (UR B) Chair: Mr. Jimnah Mbaru, Chairman, Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) Kenneth Karanja, Peter N. Kungu, Erick Kibisu, & Dickens Nyabuti: “The Nairobi Stock Exchange: A Potential Investment Avenue for Diaspora Kenyans.” Anthony Kibe Kimotho: “Commercialization of African Research” Discussant/Commentator: Erastus Mong’are, President, Delaware Kenya Association
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm		LUNCH BREAK
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm		Mapping and Understanding the Kenyan Diaspora #2 (UR A) Chair: Dr. Sam Abaidoo, Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice, KSU “Grace Muthoni Njeru, University of Missouri, Columbia: The Experiences of Kenyans in Two Midwest Cities: Benefits, Challenges and Coping Strategies.” Nehemy Kirhara: “Extended Family Values, Social, and Cultural Issues Faced by the Kenyan Diaspora.” Emily J. Choge, Moi University: “The Role of the Kenyan Church in Diaspora in the Development of Kenya: A Case Study of the Presbyterian Church in Atlanta.”	Strengthening Africa’s Economic Development through Diaspora Networks: The Case of Kenya (UR C) Chair: Esther Koimet, Investment Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Kenya Dr. Daniel Karanja, (Senior Fellow, Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa, Washington, DC): “Engaging U.S. Policy for Africa’s Economic Development: Skill Development, Capacity Building, and the Critical Role of Africans in Diaspora” Other Panelists: Dr. Leah Keino, Iowa State University. Dr. Olive Mugenda (Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University). Dr. Anne Mungai, Adelphi University.	Poster Session (UR E) Gladys Gikiri, Author/publisher, My Malaika: A Safari Adventure Book Series Ruth Theuri, Uhuru Open, “A Paradigm Shift by Uhuru Open” George S.N. Mungai, “The Achievements of the Caroline Wambui Mungai Foundation in Socio-Economic Development of Kenya.”	Kenyan Diaspora, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and Kenya’s Development #2 (UR D) Chair: Dr. Nurudeen Akinyemi, Department of Political Science & International Affairs, KSU Njeri Kirika, Reading Spaces Foundation: “Empowering Rural Communities by Building Library Facilities in Kenya.” Mukila Maitha, President, United Kenyans of Chicago: “Kenyan Diaspora as Agents for Political and Social Change in Kenya.” Laureen O. Obbayi, Rutgers University, “The Impact of Global Governance Actors on the Promotion of Freedom of Speech and Press in Kenya”	Investing in Health Care (UR B) Chair: Ms. Susan Kikwai: Managing Director, Kenya Investment Authority Dr. Wangeci Gatei, CDC, Atlanta, "Investing in Health: Priority for the Diaspora." Dr. Timothy Akers, Kennesaw State University, “The State of Research in HIV/AIDS.”
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm		BREAK
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm		Mapping and Understanding the Kenyan Diaspora #3 (SO 2028) Chair: Dr. Joe Karogi, Founder of Kenyan Christian Fellowship in America Kenyan Thoughts on the Kenyan Diaspora: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Sandra Nyokabi Chege Rachel Wanjiru Gichinga Sennane Gatakaa Riungu	Diasporas and National Development (SO 2030) Chair: Dr. Jesse Benjamin G. Pascal Zachary, Richmond, CA & Grace Muthoni Njeru, University of Missouri, Columbia: “Diasporas and National Development: Lessons for Kenyans from Around the World.” Diane Griffin, Washington, DC: “Economic Impact of Zionism on Israel and the Implications for Pan-Africanism to Promote Sustainable Development in Kenya.” Dr. X. N. Iraki: “Strengthening Kenya through Kenyan Diaspora”	Brain Drain or Brain Gain? (SO 2031) Chair: Dr. Ikechukwu Ukeje, Professor of Elementary Education, Kennesaw State University Mazi Ucheomumu, doctoral candidate: “Brain Drain or Brain Trust?” Ruth Uwaifo Oyelere, Georgia Tech: “Brain Drain, Waste, or Gain? What we know so far about the Kenyan Case.” Oduor Ong’wen, SEATINI Kenya: “The Role of Kenyan Diaspora in Development: Turning Brain Drain into Brain Gain.” Dr. Fulbert Leon Namwamba, Southern University, Baton Rouge: “Conversation on Brain Drain to Brain Gain: Mutual Exchanges to Bridge Technology?	Documentary Session (SO 1019) Wambui Wamae-Kamiru: “Women and Development in Kenya: The Importance of Role Model Influence.” A documentary produced from videotaped research interviews. Arthur Opinya, Kennesaw State University: “Kenyans in the Diaspora: Their Contributions to the Development of their Motherland.” A documentary produced after hours of videotaped interviews in Kenya and U.S. Paul Waithaka & Karanja Kimani, Kenya Live TV: “Media: The Missing Link Between Kenyans in the Diaspora and Kenya" Gladys “Nyagus” Gikiri, Author/Publisher, “The Kenyan Diaspora with a New Generation of Authors/Publishers.”	Investing in Education: Role of Kenya Diaspora (SO 2035) Chair: Hon . Amos Kimunya, Minister for Finance, Republic of Kenya. Dr. Olive Mugenda, Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University Dr. David Sperling, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strathmore Univerity Prof. Fredrick Muyia Nafukho: "Financing of Higher Education in Kenya: The Critical Role of Africans in Diaspora." Discussant: James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Bank
4:30pm – 4:45 pm	BREAK
4:45 pm – 6:00 pm	WORLD CAFÉ Dr. Macharia Waruingi, Kenyan Development Network Consortium (KDNC); Ms. Mkawasi Mcharo, President of Kenya Community Abroad (KCA); Mr. Stephen Ndiritu, Association of Kenyan Professionals in Atlanta (AKPA)
6:00pm – 7:45 pm	DINNER & KEYNOTE ADDRESS Greetings from Dr. Lendley Black, Provost and VPAA, KSU Introduction of Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dan Paracka Keynote Address: Professor Paul Zeleza
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm	SPECIAL ENCORE PRESENTATION OF: “*You Always Go Home”*: An original play written and directed by Margaret Baldwin and Karen Robinson, performed by talented KSU students

Investment Forum Kenya Open for Business
Saturday, March 24, 2007
8:00 am – 8:30 am	REGISTRATION & INFORMATION (Lobby, Social Science Building)
8:30 am – 9:00 am		Opening Remarks Kennesaw State University Representative H. E. AMBASSADOR PETER OGEGO, Kenyan Ambassador to the United States
9:00 am - 10:00 am		Keynote Address: (SO 1021) HON. AMOS KIMUNYA, MP, Minister for Finance, Republic of Kenya.
10:00 am - 10:30 am		PLENARY SESSION 1 (SO 1021) DR. WAHOME GAKURU, Director, Social Services - National Economic and Social Council (NESC) Questions & Answers
10:30 am - 10:45 am		BREAK
10:45 am - 12:30 am		PLENARY SESSION 2 (SO 1021) Investment Climate and Investment Opportunities in Various Sectors of the Economy MR. LEE KARURI, Chairman Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) MS. SUSAN KIKWAI, Managing Director, Kenya Investment Authority DR. BITANGE NDEMO, PS, Ministry of Information & Communication MR. JIMNAH MBARU, Chairman Nairobi Stock Exchange Questions & Answers
12:30 am – 1:30 am		LUNCH
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm		Break-out Sessions
		Government's Policy & Initiatives for Kenyan Diaspora (SO 1021) Facilitators MR. LEE KARURI, Chairman, (KEPSA) DR. EDWARD SAMBILI, PS, Ministry of Planning & National Development. MR. SAMUEL MWAURA WAWERU, CEO, KEPSA Expert Discussants HON. AMOS KIMUNYA, Minister for Finance DR. WAHOME GAKURU, Director, Social Services - National Economic and Social Council (NESC) DR. SANKALE SHOMPOLE,CEO GetAfrica.com	Investment Climate and Opportunities in Various Sectors (SO 1019) Facilitators MS. SUSAN KIKWAI, MD, Kenya Investment Authority. MS. ESTHER KOIMETT, Investment Secretary, Ministry of Finance. Expert Discussants MR. EDDY NJOROGE, Managing Director, KenGen. PROF. OLIVE MUGENDA, Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University. PROF. SPERLING, Deputy-Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University. DR. ACHIENG ONGONGA, Managing Director, KTB. DR. EVANS KIDERO, Managing Director, Mumias Sugar	Capital Markets & Investment Services: Opportunities for Diaspora (SO 2036) Facilitators MR. JIMNAH MBARU, Chairman Nairobi Stock Exchange. MR. FRED MBURU, Old Mutual Asset Managers, Ltd. Expert Discussants MR. FRANK IRERI, MD, Housing Financing Company of Kenya. MR. KEN WATHOME, CEO NW Realite Ltd. MR. DAVID AMAKOBE, Chief Investment Officer, Africa Capital Partners, Inc. DR. GARY ROBERTS, Kennesaw State University	Financial Services & Intermediation of Remittances (SO 2038) Facilitators MR. JAMES MWANGI, CEO, Equity Bank. MS. CAROL MUSYOKA, Barclays Bank Expert Discussants MR. JOSEPH WAMBIA, Chief Executive, Wambia Capital. MR. MARTIN ODUOR OTIENO, Deputy-CEO, Kenya Commercial Bank
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm		BREAK
4:15 pm – 5:00 pm		PLENARY SESSION 3 (I) (SO 1021) Feedbacks from Breakout Sessions
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm		PLENARY SESSION 3 (II) Q&A and Way Forward (SO 1021) Moderators H. E. AMBASSADOR PETER OGEGO, Kenyan Ambassador to the United States HON. AMOS KIMUNYA, Minister for Finance MR. JIMNAH MBARU, Chairman Nairobi Stock Exchange DR. WANGECI GATEI, KDNC DR. AKANMU ADEBAYO, Kennesaw State University
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm	Reception Dinner

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Institute for Global Initiatives
Kennesaw State University
1000 Chastain Road, #2702, Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591. Phone: 770.423.6336 | FAX: 770.499-3430

Tentative Conference Program

Investment Forum

Kenya Open for Business