National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula recently met with Kenyans living in Guernsey, Channel Islands, as part of his two-day official engagement during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Standing Committee (CSPOC) meeting. Wetang’ula praised the hard work and determination of the Kenyan expatriate community, which has successfully integrated into Guernsey’s socio-economic life, contributing to sectors like finance, hospitality, and education.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the CSPOC gathering, saw Wetang’ula express admiration for the community’s resilience and optimism. He highlighted that despite Guernsey’s small population of approximately 65,000, over 500 Kenyans reside on the island, playing a crucial role in shaping its vibrant social fabric. Wetang’ula acknowledged their role in promoting Kenya’s image globally while maintaining strong ties with their homeland.
In his remarks, Wetangula reflected on his time as Kenya’s Foreign Minister, where he worked to integrate diaspora relations into the country’s foreign policy. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Kenyans abroad, focusing on leveraging their potential for national development. “Your contributions align with the Government of Kenya’s diaspora engagement strategy, which aims to foster economic growth by utilizing the expertise of Kenyans abroad,” Wetangula stated.
Catherine Wanyoike, Chairperson of the Kenyan Community in Guernsey, welcomed Wetang’ula’s visit, expressing the community’s desire for support in securing long-stay visas for better integration and development. Wetang’ula assured the community that their concerns, particularly those related to policy challenges, would be addressed. He also proposed mechanisms for stronger engagement with Kenya’s mission in London to resolve diaspora-related issues.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK, Catherine Karemu, reaffirmed her office’s support, pledging to explore solutions for the Kenyan community’s challenges in Guernsey. Wetang’ula concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration to enhance Kenya’s global standing and foster mutual prosperity with its diaspora.
