THEMES OF THE CONFERENCE
Mapping the Kenyan Diaspora
Papers and presentations on this theme will address
crucial demographic issues on the Kenyan Diaspora. Sub-themes
include population and the global spread of the Kenyan
Diaspora into Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Oceania,
and the rest of Africa; occupational categories; economic
impact of individual and collective remittances to Kenya,
what such remittances fund, and possibilities of formalizing
such remittances for national and community development;
impact of economic and political activities of the Kenyan
Diaspora in Kenya, including role in national elections,
eco-tourism, etc.; grassroots mobilization by the Kenyan
Diaspora.
History and Future of the Kenyan
Diaspora
Papers and presentations on this theme will be retrospective
and prospective. Sub-themes include the process of the
creation of the Kenyan Diaspora, the relationship between
Kenyans at home and Kenyans abroad; social and cultural
issues and challenges faced by the Kenyan Diaspora;
adjustment processes; responsibilities of dual nationality;
influences of the Kenyan Diaspora on Kenya’s political
philosophy, social transformation, environment, and
culture; the future of relations between Kenyans in
the Diaspora and Kenyans at home.
Comparative Diaspora and Development
Papers and presentations will consider “Diaspora”
and “Development” from a variety of disciplines,
such as literature, biological sciences, philosophy,
geography, economics, and the arts. Presenters will
draw comparative lessons from successful models from
other Diaspora communities (e.g., India and China) to
inform discussions and recommendations on the role of
the Kenyan Diaspora.
Brain Drain or Brain Trust?
Papers and presentations on this theme will address
policy issues, politics and priorities in turning “brain
drain” into “brain trust” and enabling
Kenyan society, government, and progressive elements
access to the “trust”. Sub-themes include
educational opportunities, cutting edge skills, and
innovative ideas presented to Kenya by the Kenyan Diaspora;
their responses to globalization of Kenya; role of universities
(public and private) in creating and sustaining “brain
trust”; successful models of knowledge, capital
and technology transfers from the Diaspora to Kenya.
Attracting Resources and Engaging
Stakeholders
Papers and presentations will address how the Kenyan
Diaspora engage the Kenyan society in issues such as
healthcare, environment, business, governance, science
and technology, education, etc. Sub-theme includes networking
and other opportunities with the World Bank/IMF, WTO,
G-8, development-minded NGOs, etc.; management and leadership
training and skills; practical models in managing NGOs
and making NGOs work for societal engagement and development
(e.g., NGOs for HIV/AIDS education); models of interaction
between the Diaspora and the home country (e.g., book
collection).
Original Business Creation and
Innovation
Papers and presentations will address the role of Kenyan
Diaspora in new business creation through translation,
adaptation, and commercialization of knowledge and products.
It is no secret that highly trained and skilled nationals
of developing countries are working as leading scientists,
practitioners, and business leaders in world-class organizations
and institutions. The knowledge gained in the Diaspora
can be, and has been, of great value in translating
existing knowledge into products to meet human needs
in the home country and for global markets, creating
brand new businesses. Sub-themes include how members
of the Kenyan Diaspora are using their high level education
and skills to attract direct foreign investment to Kenya
and to transform the business environment in Kenya;
how they are using their overseas experiences to launch
innovations in industry and business in Kenya; and how
they are using their global knowledge and skills to
create and enhance development opportunities in Kenya.
