Learning About Diaspora Support Services For Kenyans

By Essie Osborn


The vastly growing number of Kenyans abroad has spawned the need for a variety of diaspora support services for Kenyans. From the settler to the immigrant worker, the diversity of the diaspora can only be matched by the varied services required by these communities. Fortunately such activities have in last decade increased rapidly to meet the growing demands.

For the sake of brevity and a clearer understanding the activities can be classified under the following broad headings; Professional, Community/Business Development activities and Support groups and activities pertaining to religion. This generalization makes it easier to understand the nature of these services as well as makes it easier to locate them.

The demographic composition of a community can be incredibly diverse and hence would require different activities as can be reflected in the variety of institutions that exist to meet the various demands. However the activities can be broadly classified into three categories; Professional Organizations, Business/Community Development and Religious endeavors. These three are most important to those living abroad, as most of the Kenyans abroad are either professionals or business owners and their families.

For those engaged in business, family and professions, there are a number of formed organizations that serve to protect the rights of these groups of people. Some of the assistance offered by these organizations include protection and licensing of lawyers, doctors, and realtors among several other professionals. These organizations also make it their business educating the workers of their rights and any other legislative responsibilities they are supposed to be aware of.

Kids can find friends who speak the same language and socialize better, mothers can find other mothers facing the same challenges of managing a household in a different country and the elderly can find solace in the companionship of similarly displaced. Also of immense value are the religious activities that serve to help one reconnect with their religion.

Community building and religious activities can serve as a major distraction while time, the magical healer, sets in motion the act of acclimatization. These services can range from various support groups to Churches of specific denomination and other places of religious worship. Most important of all, these are places filled with people who have experienced or are experiencing the same emotions that other individuals may be experiencing. This common ground helps serve as a forum for discussion that enlightens and uplifts.

Some important points to keep in mind are that a native Bank might not always provide better service and the fine print should be scrutinized to ensure a smoother relation especially as some banks might reserve the right to increase service fees from the one decided on at their whim without consulting the client. Such practices are unfortunately too common and care should be taken to avoid them.

The human being is a social animal and the need to be part of a group and be accepted is a universal need and demand. Such is reflected in the desire of diaspora to congregate and share and services such as these are of immense value to the individual and society at large.




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