Dr. Sambili Closes Kenya Diaspora Conference

“Let’s keep our eye on the finish line. Let us not get distracted by any negative press coverage as noted here today. The vision is about making sure every Kenyan get’s an education, we grow the economy and preserve the environment as we honor Professor Wangari Maathai.” Dr. Edward Sambili the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning National Development and Vision 2030 delivered closing argument of the Kenya Diaspora Conference 2011 in what from our perspective was one of the best speeches.

He challenged the Diaspora saying, “Diaspora should see what was presented as not just statistics but the way forward.” He noted that Kenyans are resilient people who overcome any adversity and congratulated the Ambassador saying, “Ambassador you did well to delay 2012 so we can keep busy doing productive things.” This made in reference for not making this a political discussion, but rather angling the conference toward a development discussion.

In his summation the Doctor noted that on June 2008 Kenya launched the Vision 2030 and this past 2 days Kenyans had talked on how to build Kenya and make it a middle developed country. He said, “The new constitution was the first pillar.” Saying that currently not a single day goes by without the mention of the Vision 2030 and some popular singers have composed songs about the vision 2030 without being asked by anyone.

“Not a single area has being left out in these discussions,” Dr. Sambili said, “We have talked about agriculture, housing, tourism, Infrastructure and Education.” The permanent secretary clearly noted with the understanding that the Vision 2030 implementation was under his domicile saying, “I was equally encouraged for the conference brought diverse groups, from scholars, business people, CEO’s, Top executives of NGO’s and top policy think tanks.”

He gave these figures to show the growth Kenya has undergone. In 2002 75% of eligible students to primary schools enrolled, today this is at 94% and there was gender parity. In the second quarter of the calendar even with slow agriculture growth the economy has grown by 4.5%. Construction has increased from 2% same period to 8%, Tourism has increased from 2% to 5.6%. The foreign visitor’s growth has increased by 13.6%. The remittances from Diaspora that have provided a major support of foreign balance of payment during this period have increased by 30% from $350 million to $479 million comparative to last year. He noted that the shilling that is weak was attractive for those abroad. He said the shilling was going to appreciate and those who put in money in Kenya will benefit.   

Dr. Sambili thanked Arun Singh, Ambassador, Embassy of India (Washington DC) for being part of the conference and presented on: What can we learn from other Diaspora Experiences in North America? Stories of Success and Struggles saying, “India is a country we have enjoyed relationship going many years back.” In closing he noted the conference had taken place with a double deep recession and now was the time to progress forward.