Murang’a Senator Irungu Kangata tabled a new Bill aimed at safeguarding the billions sent by Kenyans in diaspora each year.
Titled The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2020, the Bill seeks to provide special incentives including wealth protection to encourage Kenyans living abroad to invest back home.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Monday, January 25, the Murang'a Senator detailed the workings of the proposed Bill which puts in place measures for the prevention of fraudulent practices that hinder investment, in Kenya, by Kenyans living abroad.
"It creates offences against anyone swindling a Kenyan in diaspora. In case of a court case, they will get an opportunity to give evidence via video link,
"It grants powers to the CS in charge of foreign affairs to open consulates in several small cities across the world, not just capital cities of the various countries," he explained.
The Bill requires Foreign Affairs Cabinet secretary to craft a voluntary savings scheme for Kenyans living abroad as well as liaise with the Central Bank Governor and the CS Treasury to negotiate favourable terms on the investments of any contributions that may be made.
"Cabinet Secretary (Foreign Affairs) may, in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and the Governor of the Central establish a database setting out information on programmes and projects in Kenya for investment by Kenyans living abroad," reads an excerpt from the proposed Bill.
"The principal purpose of the Bill is to put in place mechanisms for the protection of the interests of Kenyans living abroad and to ensure their active participation in the socio-economic development of the country. The collective community of Kenyans living abroad play an important role in the development agenda of the country," it further reads.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Kenyans who have been living and working overseas expressed their opinion on the proposed Bill.
"I hope this will not turn into another 'Philippines' case whereby their citizens end up being forced to pay steep taxes when remitting money back home as well as abroad," the real estate developer working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who preferred anonymity stated.
A huge percentage of Kenyans in diaspora usually send their money back home via mobile money transfers or direct account deposits to family members or close friends.
Kenya was been ranked 3rd in Africa in terms of diaspora remittance inflows, which hit at least Ksh 209 Billion in 2020 alone.
According to a World Bank October 2020 Brief that provides updates on global migration and remittances, Kenya is the only country in the Sub- Saharan Africa region where remittance inflows have so far been countercyclical to the Covid-19 pandemic disruptions.
