By Diaspora Insurance News
KENYANS in the Diaspora comprise a new generation of ‘shujaas’ (heroes) after making the difficult decision to “leave their homes, families, villages and jobs to venture into unknown territories so that they could provide a better future for their families”.
This was said by Diaspora Insurance executive director, Dr Sibert Manega, while addressing guests at this year’s Mashujaa (Heroes) Day celebrations in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands.
The UK-based risk solutions company, which covers some 13 African diaspora nationalities, was one of the key partners for the event.
“Africans in the diaspora send more than US$90 billion annually to Africa in the form of remittances,” said Mandega.
“Alone, Kenyans send more than US$ 3 billion back home. This is more than the highest export earners like tea, coffee and tourism.”
The national holiday, commemorated on October 20, honours heroes of Kenya’s struggle for independence from colonial rule as well as those positively contributing to the country in the post-independence era.
The Amsterdam celebrations were organised by the Kenyan Diaspora Association in Netherlands (KDAN) with the country’s Ambassador Margaret Shava as the guest of honour.
Dr Mandega said Diasporans comprise a new type of heroes for Kenya and Africa after making the sacrifice to go abroad where they “had to learn different languages and cultures and adapt to the cold climates in places like Europe”.
He said it was however, often tragic that, in their focus and determination to work hard for their families, some diasporans often neglect addressing “important elements of their lives”.
“This is why you find out that someone who has spent their entire life working hard in the diaspora and when they pass away, you find their names on GoFundMe platforms,” he explained.
“This is not a way to celebrate a hero’s life. Heroes deserve a dignified send off, not to be a subject on WhatsApp platforms because the family is trying to raise up funds for their funeral.”
Dr Mandega challenged Kenyans in the diaspora to take insurance policies with reputable companies such as Diaspora Insurance to “guarantee yourself and your family peace of mind”.
Diaspora Insurance is a global company headquartered in the United Kingdom providing insurance products targeted at African nationals who live and work in the diaspora.
The company’s key product is a funeral cash plan that allows diasporans to cover themselves and their families back home.
The policy “pays out cash immediately upon claim so that families are able to cover any expenses associated with a funeral including body repatriation, flights, food, memorial service and funeral directors’ fees”.
