Welcome to Kenya Diaspora Development Collaborative (KDDC)
KPV RADIO DISCUSSION
SAT DEC 8TH, 2012
4PM EST (9PM GMT)
Topic:
LAUNCHING HAKI KENYA
AND DISCUSSING STEPS TOWARDS DIASPORA JUSTICE FUND
Listen online: www.kenyaprogressivevoice.org.
Your questions are important and will be addressed. Please send any questions during the show by text to +1-904-418-2608
Listen at www.kenyaprogressivevoice.org
You are invited to a global teleconference Tuesday 7pm EST (12 midnight GMT) to develop an infrastructure for defending the Constitutional Rights of Kenyans in the Diaspora.
Based on consultative meetings with Kenyan Diaspora leaders over the online KPV radio (Saturday and Sunday), it was agreed that all leaders of organizations that represent groups in the Diaspora be invited a global teleconference.
The preliminary agreement is that the Diaspora should submit a petition on constitutional and human rights court in Kenya as soon as practicable.
Issues:
Please confirm your attendance, and also provide us your cell phone number to update you with SMS. .
Discussion will be done over Skype. Please link up with the host on Skype or call
+1-202-6210-KPV (North America)
KPV RADIO DISCUSSION
SAT NOV 24TH
2PM EST (7PM GMT) (10PM KENYA)
Topic:
KENYA DIASPORA VOTING
Seeking Common Ground
Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly (KDLA) hosts Kenyan presidential candidates in a community discussion on Diaspora Voting
Listen online: www.kenyaprogressivevoice.org.
Your questions are important and will be addressed. Please send any questions during the show by text to +1-904-418-2608 or by email to info@kenyaprogressivevoice.org.
INVITED GUEST PANELISTS: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES KENYA 2013
HON. MARTHA KARUA
PROF. JAMES OLE KIYAPI
HON. UHURU KENYATTA
HON RAILA ODINGA
HON. MUSALIA MUDAVADI
HON KALONZO MUSYOKA
HON. PETER KENNETH
HOST PANELISTS:
Ms. Sarah Richson (London, UK) , Dr. Juliana Mwose (Indiana, USA), Dr. Frank Mwaniki, Prof. Kefa Otiso (Ohio, USA), Mr. Tegi Obanda (Toronto, Canada), Ms. Jane Wanja Gakinya (Boston, MA, USA)
MODERATOR: Ms. Comfort Munoru Mwangi (Jacksonville, Florida, USA)
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KDDC aims to give Kenyan Diaspora members a rallying point for mutual self advancement through cooperative ventures aimed at enhancing sustainable development in Kenya. KDDC’S Mandate is to serve the interests of all Kenyans in the Diaspora globally. KDDC is registered as a non-profit in the United States since December 22, 2011.
Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly (KDLA) Launches Diaspora Home Link Service And E-Shop
Online project management platform and E-commerce Duka helps Diaspora members implement projects in Kenya-for family, business startup, supervision, community, gift delivery, health, construction and more—without leaving their desk
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, USA; NOVEMBER 19, 2012 – Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly (KDLA) has introduced the first ever project management platform for Diaspora members. The service, which commences operations on December 1st, 2012, will also have an e-commerce section called “Diaspora Duka” http://diasporaduka.com, which will have a nationwide home delivery component, the first one of its kind.
KDLA, which is the first globally elected representative body for the Kenyan Diaspora has identified nine projects to be implemented in Kenya and the Diaspora. Diaspora Home Link is the first one to be rolled out By simply filling request form at http://holiska.com/helpdesk/open.php, users will request just about any service they want performed in Kenya. So far, support requests fall under five broad categories: 1. Helping clients initiate/manage income-generating businesses/projects at home, 2. Helping diaspora members initiate and manage family projects, 3. Helping clients initiate community development projects, 4. Asset /Fiduciary Management, 5. Agency/Representation, Debt recovery.
“No other service has made this kind of commitment to extend the reach of Diaspora members to successfully develop enterprises or manage family affairs in Kenya.” said Sarah Richson, KDLA Chair. “Diaspora members want to create wealth at home, but so far there has been no infrastructure to enable them to overcome structural bottlenecks”.
“Close to over $350 million a year that Diaspora Kenyans send home for business largely ends up mismanaged and squandered due to endemic corruption, infrastructure inadequacy, low management skills, weak contractual laws and general dishonesty. The truth of the matter is that the majority of Kenyans in the Diaspora have pulled back from investing in Kenya.”, said Tegi Obanda, KDLA Vice-Chair.
Diaspora members want to protect themselves from costly business expenses due to dishonesty and inefficiency. Diaspora Homelink responds to both problems. The key element of Diaspora Homelink is trust. Staff members and project implementers in Kenya will undergo six months internship training and only those deemed to have acquired the requisite integrity and professionalism will be awarded KDLA certificate in Project management. KDLA has linked up with local universities to source the right candidates.
Diaspora members who want to join the co-op may do so at http://diasporaduka.com/user_register.html.
To initiate a project or to get more info, send request at http://holiska.com/helpdesk/open.php.
About
The Kenya Diaspora Homelink www.holiska.com and Diaspora Duka www.diasporaduka.com are owned and operated by Kenyans in the Diaspora through the Kenya Diaspora Coop. The Kenya Diaspora Cooperative is the for-profit arm of the Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly (KDLA), which is the elected representative global Kenyan Diaspora umbrella organization.
DIASPORA VOTING
DISCUSSION
TUE NOV 20TH, 8PM EST
Topic:
Developing one united Diaspora position on Diaspora Voter Suppression by Kenya Govt.
A Community discussion by representatives of key Diaspora organizations on the IEBC announcement that voting will be done in Embassies and Consulates only
To be debated: The proposal that if voting is to be done in Embassies, then the Kenyan Diaspora should boycott the 2013 elections altogether, because conditions do not exist for free and fair registration, voting and tallying of ballots.
The concerns of Kenyans in the Diaspora regarding voting in Kenyan embassies is that embassy officials are partisan, operate and make decisions based on political party affiliation.
Voting in Kenyan embassies and consulates is therefore unconstitutional as it violates Article 86 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) which says: “At every election, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission shall ensure that—
(a) whatever voting method is used, the system is simple, accurate, verifiable, secure, accountable and transparent;
(b) the votes cast are counted, tabulated and the results announced promptly by the presiding officer at each polling station;
(c) the results from the polling stations are openly and accurately collated and promptly announced by the returning officer; and
appropriate structures and mechanisms to eliminate electoral malpractice are put in place, including the safekeeping of election materials.
Only regional voting manned by independent IEBC appointed returning officers can ensure that Diaspora is not used as a vote rigging field.
The second objection to embassy voting is simply that it is unaffordable for 99 percent of the Diaspora population. It is thus a waste of taxpayer’s money which can better be used to alleviate poverty in the country.
The proposed position is thus: Either regional voting or no voting.
If you have a better proposal, feel free to submit.
Discussion will be on Skype and will be hosted by kpvr2010.
Listen online: www.kenyaprogressivevoice.org.
To participate in the panel, please send your info by text to to +1-904-418-2608 or by email to info@kenyaprogressivevoice.org.
KPV RADIO DISCUSSION
SAT NOV 17TH, 4PM EST (9PM GMT)
Topic:
Kenya Diaspora Home Link Services
Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly (KDLA) Launches online project management platform to help Diaspora members implement projects in Kenya-for family, business, community, gifts, health and more
Other Topics: The Suppression of Diaspora Voting by the Kenyan Govt.
Listen online: www.kenyaprogressivevoice.org.
Your questions are important and will be addressed time allowing. Please send any questions during the show by text to +1-904-418-2608 or by email to info@kenyaprogressivevoice.org.
4:00-5:30pm ESDT (Live)
PANELISTS: Members of Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly (KDLA) and other experts
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Listen online and share views at Kenya Progressive Radio http://kenyaprogressivevoice.org/
KDDC aims to give Kenyan Diaspora members a rallying point for mutual self advancement through cooperative ventures aimed at enhancing sustainable development in Kenya. KDDC’S Mandate is to serve the interests of all Kenyans in the Diaspora globally. KDDC is registered as a non-profit in the United States since December 22, 2011.
Exciting Business Internship Opportunities!
The Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly (KDLA) is looking for new interns. The global Diaspora organization, which is rolling out its first project – Diaspora Home Link Services – is looking for interns in 8 areas of expertise –social media marketing, online/chat customer service, public/media relations, blogging/writing, Correspondence/administrative Assistant, Website CMS Maintenance, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), proposal writing. We are looking for entrepreneurial-minded applicants able to demonstrate a high level of initiative. Applications are welcome from all counties in Kenya and Abroad. Selections will be based on:
KDLA Interns’ Responsibilities
Participate in weekly conference calls
Be willing to think outside the box on projects and offer ideas on how we can improve
Program Benefits
Gain practical experience, to both apply and supplement what you learn in school.
Expand your professional network by working side-by-side with experts in the Kenyan Diaspora.
Hone real-world skills like problem solving, public speaking, and communication.
Potential freelance Project Implementation opportunities as preference will be given to KDLA Interns.
Path To Success
The KDLA will select 8 interns who will work with us for 6 months on a project basis, from their current location and will be expected to be Self-leaders who understand the vision of the organisation. Our international Mentors will provide you with professional training and guide you in your career path and when you are ready to become more involved, you can apply to join our network of Project implementers to seize opportunities as they arise within the Kenya Diaspora Homelinks infrastructure. If freelance work is not your choice, there are other options and after you have shown your potential and proven your skills to meet our targets, we will help you set up a as a successful Entrepreneur!
Note: All successful interns who have undertaken the training successfully will be provided with a KDLA Certificate in Project Management.
PS. If you see grammatical errors here or elsewhere…then you would be an excellent candidate for us 
Join us…and let’s change Kenya for the better.
Deadline & Where to Send
Please email CV and cover letter to info AT holiska.com. All applications must be submitted no later than 5 pm EDT on October 30th, 2012. Intensive online Training starts Nov 1. First batch of field deployment –Nov 5th while training continues.
Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly Takes Shape (List of Assembly Members)
The first globally elected representative body for the Kenyan Diaspora is finally taking shape. Since its election on July 14th , 2012, the elected members have been meeting every week. In the 11 sessions it has met, it has formatted itself into a viable structure that is capable of maximizing the aspirations of Kenyans in the Diaspora.
Projects
The Assembly has identified nine projects to be implemented in Kenya and the Diaspora. The first one being rolled out on October 21st is the much awaited Home Link Services for Kenyans Abroad (dubbed Holiska). They describe Holiska as “world-class project support system helping you to start/manage family, business and community projects in Kenya without leaving your desk. Holiska will also have an e-commerce section called “Diaspora Duka”, which will have a nationwide home delivery component, the first one of its kind.
List of Members
Duly elected and sworn in members are: William Yimbo, Jane Konditi (Texas, USA), Alex Momanyi, Tony Mithiga, Prof. Kefa Otiso (Ohio, USA), Robert Chiuri, Benson Metho (Minessota, USA), Rosemary Segero (District of Columbia, USA), Boniface Mweu (Ontario, Canada), Wanja Njuguna (Namibia), Rebecca Nyutu (Washington, USA), Eric Waiyaki (UK), John Kamau (Arizona, USA),Waweru Ndungu (Ohio, USA), Dr. Joe Karogi (North Carolina, USA), Koissaba B.R Ole (Washington, USA), Alfred Mairura (United Arab Emirate), Patrick Odoyo (Indiana, USA).
Others are Jane Wanja Bromberg (Massachusetts, USA), Benjamin Waigwa (Uganda), Ochieng’ Okeyo (South Africa), Ed Maina (Alberta, Canada), Enock Nyasimi (Uganda), Dr. John Nyachieo (Florida, USA), Christopher Sirengo Menya (Denmark), James Mugo (UK), Dr. Charles Wambulwa (Nova Scotia/PEI, Canada), Susan Mudasia (France), Peter Mutuneh Ndiritu (United Arab Emirate), Sarah Richson (UK), Joel Kipwambok (Kansas), Meeli Kitok’enterit (DC, USA), Geoffrey Ongubo (Trustee Midwest, USA),Sam Nyabiosi (Delaware, USA), Beffon Nyamosi (Indiana, USA), Tsihugwa Kikuyu (Arizona, USA), Steve Waweru (Delaware, USA), Comfort Munoru Mwangi (South West USA), Tegi Obanda (Eastern Canada), Henry Miheso ( Rwanda), Geofred Osoro (Massachusetts, USA), Churchill Audi (UK), Bernard Onyango (Afghanistan), Juma Kinyamkera (New Jersey, USA), Kennedy Ambundo ( Colorado, USA).
BY-ELECTIONS
By-elections to fill vacant positions is slated for October 27th, 2012. Those interested in representing their areas are invited to fill application form at http://kenyadiasporadev.org/kenya-diaspora-leadership-assembly.
If interested, you are encouraged to go ahead and apply even if their area has a rep. This is because there are 22 sectoral secretary and 24 Board Trustee positions yet to be filled .
Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly is the elected representative body of Kenyans in the Diaspora with members representing over 50 jurisdictions in USA, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia and Middle East and 22 sectors. The by-elections are slated to fill vacant positions. Since its election on July 13th, 2012 the Assembly has designed 9 major projects with the first one –Home Link Services for Kenyans Abroad (see interim site holiska.com)- to be rolled out on Oct 21st, 2012.
JACKSONVILLE, FL—August 9, 2012–The newly elected Kenyan Diaspora Leadership Assembly will be sworn- in via teleconference to be broadcast live over KPV Radio http://kenyaprogressivevoice.org on Sunday, August 12 from 2pm EDT (7pm GMT). According to coordinators, the KDLA, which was elected on July 13, has representatives from over 50 jurisdictions in USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa and Middle East.
Transition
Since the election, the Assembly has held four weekly sessions in which the members discussed the structure and operations of the assembly. The swearing-in ceremony will mark the end of the transition period and beginning of full operations.
Projects
The assembly is scheduled to roll out nine projects to be implemented right away. The ad hoc Projects Committee has been meeting every Tuesday and Thursday to fine-tune the projects for final ratification at the Assembly launch on Sunday.
Promise of a New Day for the Diaspora
The election of a Leadership Assembly was an important milestone for Kenyans in the Diaspora.
“I am very excited in joining Kenya Diaspora Leadership Assembly,” said Njeri Mwai (Econ. Dev/Job Creation Sector Rep. ). “The establishment of KDLA makes me feel patriotic and proud to be a Kenyan. This is because I know that all over the world my fellow Kenyans in Diaspora are using every opportunity to ensure the development of fellow Kenyans.. The assembly will look to see how we can help our fellow Kenyans to eradicate poverty through economic development. Kenyans in the diaspora should embrace every opportunity to ensure that our country moves forward,” said Njeri, who is a Finance and Banking expert.
Leadership Assembly member for UK, Sarah Richson, said:”Living in London hasn’t made me less of a Kenyan, in fact it has made me acutely aware of how much of a Kenyan I really am. Thankfully being a member of the Diaspora Leadership Assembly meets my most basic need which is to have a platform where great minds meet to deliberate on common experiences, share expertise and help each other as a community of Kenyans regardless of our locations. For me it is like a home away from home!”
Benjamin Waigwa, who represents Kenyans in Uganda, said: “KDLA makes me feel represented and gives me a voice to channel my contribution in various forms towards changing the life of Kenyans in the diaspora and back home. I urge the government, members and fellow Kenyans to give it all the due support as we take this journey of uniting Kenyans around the world.”
Leaving the Past Behind
Kenyans in the Diaspora have not been able to participate significantly in Kenya’s development in spite of their economic , intellectual and entrepreneurial strength. This has been caused by lack of a unifying authority that can produce spokespeople and thought leaders.
Self-appointed “leaders” with no authority to speak for the Diaspora have used this leadership vacuum to peddle their personal agendas . An elected representative body is a major step forward in strengthening Diaspora cohesion and empowerment in the development of Kenya.
“An elected member of the DLA would represent a region/country or a sector” the meeting ruled. An elected official shall be known as MDLA –short for Member of ( Kenya) Diaspora Leadership Assembly . The Assembly will consist of three types of representatives: 1. Those representing states/countries 2. Those representing sectors 3. Those representing larger regions/subcontinents to constitute Board of Trustees. The list of representation areas/sectors can be found at http://kenyadiasporadev.org/kenya-diaspora-leadership-assembly .
The elected officials will elect an Executive Governing Council from among them one week later on August 19.
The Assembly members will make their maiden speeches from 2pm EDT (7pm GMT), Sunday, August 12, and will be aired live via KPV radio. Listeners may follow the proceedings at www.kenyaprogressivevoice.org. Listeners are urged not call the radio lines or connect with the host on Skype because this an Assembly session aired live–not the regular radio show. Those with questions may send any questions during the show by text to 
+1-904-418-2608 or +1-647-889-7410 or by email to info@kenyaprogressivevoice.org.
For any questions, please send an email to infoATKenyadiasporadev.org or call +1-904-418-2608
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KDDC aims to give Kenyan Diaspora members a rallying point for mutual self advancement through cooperative ventures aimed at enhancing sustainable development in Kenya. KDDC’S Mandate is to serve the interests of all Kenyans in the Diaspora globally. KDDC is registered as a non-profit in the United States since December 22, 2011.
