Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa has expressed support for a proposal by Kenyans living abroad seeking the creation of dedicated parliamentary seats for the diaspora, saying the move would address long-standing gaps in representation and reflect their growing contribution to national development.
The proposal, submitted to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Canada, Carolyne Kamende Daudi, calls for the establishment of about 15 diaspora constituencies aligned to major global regions ahead of the 2027 General Election. Each constituency would elect a Member of the National Assembly and a Senator, granting diaspora voters representation in both chambers of Parliament.
Senator Karungo argued that Kenya already recognises special constituencies within its governance framework and said the diaspora should be treated similarly, noting that millions of Kenyans abroad remain politically marginalised despite their economic significance.
“I want to say clearly that I support the proposal by Kenyans in the diaspora to have a representative in both the National Assembly and the Senate. I come from Kiambu County, which is a constituency. That is why we have a woman representative to represent the women’s constituency. That is why we have youth representatives to represent the youth constituency. We even have nominated Members of Parliament and Senators to represent persons with disabilities.” He clarified.
He cited diaspora remittances as a key justification, noting that Kenyans abroad sent home more than Sh600 billion in 2024—far exceeding the annual equitable share allocated to all 47 counties.
“They remit a lot of money. If you did not know, in the year 2024 they remitted over 600 billion Kenyan shillings. That amount is about 200 billion more than what the Kenyan government allocates to counties every year, which is about 400 billion shillings.” Karungo noted.
The senator also linked the lack of representation to persistent labour rights violations faced by Kenyan workers abroad, particularly in the Gulf region. He claimed conflicts of interest within Parliament’s Labour Committee have contributed to weak oversight.
“I urge you to investigate it yourselves: about 90 percent of MPs sitting in the Labour Committee own agencies that recruit Kenyans to the Gulf. That is why nothing is moving.” He insisted.
He further highlighted challenges faced by returning diaspora investors, including delayed approvals, double taxation and fraud, saying these persist due to the absence of dedicated representation.
“So what do we give them in return? Double taxation… They do not get proper representation.” Said Karungo.
While acknowledging that creating diaspora constituencies would require legislative changes, he said counties could already support citizens abroad by establishing diaspora desks to fast-track services.
“When someone living abroad comes back to Kenya for a short visit, they should report to that desk and receive services faster.” He explained.
The senator also called for improved voting mechanisms, including digital registration and secure online voting, to boost diaspora participation ahead of the 2027 polls.
“That is why having a Member of Parliament representing the diaspora is so important.” Karungo said.
He concluded that recognising diaspora representation would be a step towards inclusivity, affirming that Kenyans living abroad are not just economic contributors but full participants in the country’s democratic process.
