Role of Diaspora in Promoting Pan-Africanism: A case of Kenyans in Australia

The research examines role of diaspora in promoting pan-Africanism while using Australia as a case. It also examines the different political, social and economic activities undertaken by Kenyan diaspora in Australia and to determine the extent to which pan-Africanism influences the political, social and economic activities of Kenyans in Australia. This study is appropriately prompted given the increased relevance of diaspora to Africa. Additionally, the researcher’s interactions with Kenyans in Australia have demonstrated an affinity towards pan-African renaissance. The study examines diaspora activity in Australia. Firstly, Australia remains an established destination for Kenyan emigrants growing at a faster rate than to other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member states. A significant number of diaspora researches are cased in European countries and United States of America. Secondly, all African states have at least one citizen living in Australia. The study employed a case study research design. The research used both primary and secondary data collection methods. Secondary data was collected using content analysis which involves reviewing literature relevant to pan-Africanism, Kenyan and African diaspora. Primary data was collected by conducting individual interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The respondents are individuals constituting the Kenya diaspora in Australia. They are selected through multi-stage sampling. The study finds that the Kenyan diaspora promote socio-economic aspects of pan-Africanism. They do this by citizen diplomacy, supporting economic development of Kenyans while building business eco-systems with other African nationals, establishing social structures and safety nets that increase likelihood of success of new arrivals and promote public participation and good governance. Kenyans in Australia are primarily students, skilled workers and business owners. The research finds that pan-Africanism has considerable influence among Kenyan diaspora. Pan-Africanism is a means through which Africans in Australia are able to secure their cultures and identities; a feature of long-distance nationalism. The diaspora community has, however, failed to politically organise. The community is also yet to establish sustainable means of skills and capital transfers. These challenges are attributable to lack of information by diaspora and lapse of political will by relevant authorities. In light of these findings, the research recommends policy design less reliant on remittances flows by the African Union and the Kenya government. Instead these authorities should focus on establishing channels for skills transfer and investments. The research also recommends more commitment towards deeper political integration with the diaspora through as presented in Kenya Constitution (2010), Kenya Diaspora Policy (2014) and Agenda 2063.