Rwandan Diaspora in Kenya discuss dev’t

NAIROBI - Rwandan professionals living in Nairobi, Kenya, met at the High Commission on Saturday to discuss their role in supporting government development initiatives.The main purpose of the meeting, presided over by Yamina Karitanyi, the Minister Counselor, was to create a two-way traffic of information flow, for mutual benefit.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

NAIROBI - Rwandan professionals living in Nairobi, Kenya, met at the High Commission on Saturday to discuss their role in supporting government development initiatives.

The main purpose of the meeting, presided over by Yamina Karitanyi, the Minister Counselor, was to create a two-way traffic of information flow, for mutual benefit.

"We had around 45 professionals. Various fields were represented, including medicine, environment, education, aviation, civil service, and others,” Karitanyi told The New Times.

A statement from the High Commission says the Diaspora promised to form a professional team of experts that will provide services in Rwanda.

 "The game plan is to match opportunities raised in these fields with institutions (in Rwanda) which could use their expertise,” Karitanyi said.

She added that the government is not only concerned with Rwandans in the country, but even those living abroad.

The High Commission in Nairobi wants Rwandans there to "be considered as part of the country’s much needed human resource.”

The mission promised to avail weekly updates to the Diaspora on what is happening back home.

Officials from the High Commission also urged the Diaspora to "shun cheap propaganda” spread by  fugitives like Kayumba Nyamwasa, Patrick Karegeya, Theogene Rudasingwa and Gerald Gahima, saying it was aimed at tarnishing the image of the country.

Dr. Naasson Munyandamutsa, the Deputy Director of Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace (IRDP) requested members of the Diaspora to offer views aimed at building a culture of peace among Rwandans.

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