DELAWARE 2007 - KCA Annual Conference: Uniting a People, Building a Nation

July 6th, 7th and 8th at the Marriott at University of Delaware, 400 Pencader Way, Newark, DE 19711.

The Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It is a celebration of the significant achievements of an organization that has defied many odds and grown to represent a Diaspora, and more significantly, build bridges between a scattered people and their mother country.

In the throes of a busy street in Washington, D.C, an old lounge named Serengetti sits with a sense of belonging, its walls displaying the heroes of Kenya's history gone by; chapati, ugali and goat stew on-the-menu stamping the presence of Kenya. Down the street, another Kenyan restaurant, Safari, sits with a newer ambiance. Like the enduring plains and sojourning they have been names for, the Diaspora stretched and grows continuously through the decades, becoming a part of Kenya that cannot be ignored.

KCA has endeavoured to lend voice to the Kenyan community growing in the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa through building chapters across the globe. It also continues to create affiliations with other associations with the common goal of elevating the wealth and health of the community, lending voice to social justice, and pursuing just governance wherever Kenyans are found.

KCA has successfully led a campaign that has placed dual citizenship in the draft constitutions and the minimum reforms. We are also currently involved in the drafting of the Diaspora Bill that will ensure the official integration of the community abroad into the economy and polity of Kenya. KCA has also continued to pursue the recognition of the Diaspora's right to vote in the national elections, and subsequently, establish satellite voting mechanisms just as other Diasporas have done. Kenya must always look at itself as a trailblazer for the people of Africa.

An important aspect that has kept KCA growing solidly is the democratic foundation upon which the organization was founded and still stands. Its constitution is a powerful legislative tool that has seen the efficient transition of power through three presidents, and the effective management of the organization. Communication technology has been well utilized in executing elections across continents and running projects that affect the lives of those in Kenya.

KCA's current projects include the Stop! Campaign that fights for the rights and dignity of Kenya's children, Agenda Africa, a think-tank that seeks to contribute to the making of public policy, and the Talent Access Pool (TAP), a brain-gain shop that seeks to open doors to Kenyan professionals. Our annual conferences are a coming together of Kenyans from across the globe to deliberate on our projects and common goals, and to replenish our strength for the year ahead.

After ten years of hard work and determined progress, KCA deserves to celebrate with food, song, dance and purpose. We welcome all Kenyans of goodwill and friends of Kenya to join us on July 6, 7 and 8, for the 2007 KCA annual conference and 10th anniversary, at the Marriott at University of Delaware, 400 Pencader Way, Newark, DE 19711.

We will have dignitaries from Kenya from the business and political sector. We will also be honouring our 2006 KCA Award for Excellence winner, Dr. Shem Ochuodho.

For registration, please visit www.kenyansabroad.org

Karibuni!

Mkawasi Mcharo
President, KCA
Washington, DC

For the KCA Executive