The Indian Diaspora and policy formulation in Kenya

Abstract

The relations between the East African region and India predate a shared colonial experiences. The close cooperation enjoyed by India and the East African states is further enhanced by the presence of Indian Diaspora, which coincides with the globalisation of economic activities and the pursuit of development. The presence of the Diaspora has been a catalyst for industrial growth and investment in the region, more particularly in Kenya. Indeed, economic growth has been attributed to, among other factors, the Diaspora. This in turn has placed the Diaspora in the path towards attracting and shaping patterns of trade, investment and economic growth. The role of the Diaspora in trade, investment and economic growth has remained perceptible from colonialism to date. Given the predominant influence of the Diaspora in investment, an account of the Diaspora in articulating policy in other sectors such as politics is slightly evident. The article identifies this concern given that the Diaspora has a stake in the economy and also has the potential to enhance comprehensive relations between Kenya and India. The article begins by providing a brief overview of the Diaspora in Kenya and identifies notable individuals who have shaped policies across politics and economics. It argues that the Indian Diaspora have been somewhat inconspicuous in the enunciation of policies due to the inclination of the Diaspora to maintain an indiscernible ‘political’ identity, which in this context is largely based on post-colonial experiences. The article argues that in order to promote the role of the Diaspora in policy formulation, there is a need to acknowledge that political processes are important avenues through which economic processes of investment, trade and development are achieved. Consequently, a more comprehensive approach is required. The article is as a result of perceptions and expectations on the Diaspora in policy formulation and articulation. It juxtaposes various watershed moments to query the imperceptible ‘political’ identity of the Diaspora. International events such as India’s pre-colonial trade with East Africa, the role of the Diaspora in struggle for independence, particularly, in Kenya and South Africa, the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement and attendant principles of Bon Voisagne or Panscheel and South–South cooperation reflect India’s connection with and importance to developing countries. In retrospect though, developing countries like Kenya continue to put emphasis on economic and industrial development, subsequently pursuing and attracting trade and investment from developing and developed countries. Given the importance attached to the Indian Diaspora since independence as instrumental vehicles in industrial development, the article considers the role of the Diaspora in a more comprehensive formulation of policy. The conclusion identifies how India and Kenya can mutually enhance the role of the Diaspora amid a variety of interests.

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Migration, diaspora and development: impressions from India

“…The word "diaspora" is defined, at its simplest, as the dispersal of people from their original homeland (Butler, 2001). Historically, "diaspora" was always concomitant with Israel and the flight of the Jews from Babylon in the fifth century, but over the past decade or so, many countries around the world have talked about their diaspora, which originated from the Greek word "dia" and "spero," meaning over and scattering (Butler, 2001;Brinkerhoff, 2007;Gautam, 2013;Kiamba, 2014). Thus, the word "diaspora" originates from a Greek word that reflects the sense of dispersion.…”

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