President Mwai Kibaki has assured Kenyans in the diaspora that the recently promulgated new constitution will enable them enjoy the rights and privileges provided both in their country of birth and their respective countries of residence through the dual citizenship provision.

Speaking when he met Kenyans resident in Swaziland, President Kibaki emphasized that the new constitution will open up many opportunities that Kenyans both in the country and in the diaspora have never had before.

In this regard, President Kibaki urged the Kenyans resident in Swaziland and in other countries to play their part effectively in developing their motherland, especially now that dual citizenship is allowed by the new constitution. 

“Dual citizenship is good because it will enable Kenyans in the diaspora to enjoy the benefits of their country of residence while at the same time make their contribution in the development of their country of birth,” President Kibaki said.

On temporary vehicle importation bottlenecks at the Kenyan inland ports of entry, President Kibaki assured Kenyans resident in Swaziland that his Government, through the Ministry of Trade, would address individual cases on their merit.

The President pointed out that while it was the Government’s policy to facilitate easy movement of Kenyans and their goods within the COMESA and the East African Community regions, the move should not be left to abuse as doing so would deny the Government the much needed revenue.

“We do not want small issues to hinder our people from enjoying the benefits of regional integration but at the same time we have to ensure that unscrupulous people do not abuse those privileges,” President Kibaki said. 

On identity cards issuance to Kenyans resident in Swaziland and South Africa, the Kenyan High Commissioner to South Africa, who is also accredited to Swaziland, Amb. Tom Amolo said his office has forwarded a request to the Ministry of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons to facilitate the issuance of identity cards to Kenyans who come of age in South Africa and neighbouring southern countries without having to travel all the way back home for the same services.

In this connection, Amb. Amolo said the issue of Kenya national identity cards issuance at the Kenyan High Commission in South Africa to Kenyans living in countries served by his office would be addressed, as the same was done in 1995.

Speaking during the meeting, Kenyans resident in Swaziland, through their chairman Mr. Haroun Wambua, commended President Kibaki and all Kenyans for the historic promulgation of the new constitution.

Mr. Wambua noted that the benefits enshrined in the new constitution will impart positively on all Kenyans regardless of their country of residence.

The meeting was also attended by the newly appointed Trade Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere who assured the Kenyan business community in the diaspora that his ministry will work towards creating a conducive environment for doing business to enable them extend their business activities to their motherland.

Meanwhile, President Kibaki last night joined other COMESA Heads of State and Government attending the 14th COMESA summit at a colourful state banquet hosted in their honour by King Mswati III at the Royal Swazi Hotel in Ezulwini, Swaziland.