The Debate · Kenya
Identity and Diaspora
Being Kenyan means holding several identities at once: a community, a nation, a faith, a city — and, for millions, a life abroad.
Most Kenyans identify with an ethnic community as well as the nation. The list has grown: the Makonde were recognised as citizens in 2016, and Kenyan Asians were recognised as the country's 44th community in 2017.
Kenya's diaspora sends home billions of dollars each year — one of the country's largest sources of foreign income. The 2010 constitution allowed dual citizenship, so Kenyans abroad no longer have to choose.
Timeline
- 1959–61
Mboya airlifts send hundreds of students to the USA.
- 2010
New constitution permits dual citizenship.
- 2016
Makonde community granted citizenship.
- 2017
Kenyan Asians recognised as the 44th community.
Key vocabulary
- Diaspora
- People living outside their ancestral homeland.
- Remittances
- Money sent home by people working abroad.
Discussion prompt
Can someone born abroad be fully Kenyan? What makes you belong to a place?
Quiz time
1. Which community was recognised as the 44th in 2017?
2. What is money sent home from abroad called?
Answer every quiz question correctly above to mark this sub-topic complete.