Transnationalism and Public Participation: The Experiences of Kenyan Minority Migrants in Norway

Abstract

This thesis examines how integration experiences of Kenyan migrants in Norway impact on their public participation in both Kenya and Norway. The main research question is to investigate how the experiences of Kenyan migrants in Norway impact on their potential to engage in the processes of democratization, peace-building and public-participation in both Kenya and Norway. The study findings are based on a small sample of Kenyan transnationals living both in Norway and Kenya. The data was gathered between December 2013-February 2014 through interviews. The thesis draws on Modood’s sociological theory of political multiculturalism, Rawls’ theory of public reasoning, Habermas’ theory of public participation and Appiah’s Cosmopolitanism. To find out why and how Kenyans migrants in Norway contribute towards democratization and peace-building process in Kenya, I considered their contributions through the lens of influence, expertise, transitional networks and experiences, as well as through their capacity to exert force indirectly through financial resources. Amongst the main reasons why they participate is that many African diasporasacross the globe have taken it as a responsibility to do something for the continent they have left physically but not emotionally. Secondly they are stakeholders with diverse interest ranging from investments to political positions thus inclined to actively engage in public life. The emotional attachment prompts members of diasporas including the Kenyans in Norway, to maintain transnational ties with their country of birth; this is further strengthened by the African Ubuntu Philosophy- ‘oneness to humanity; that we realize ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us. The Ubuntu and cosmopolitan spirit encourage them to feel some obligation and commitment across borders, which allows for feelings of multiple belongings, enabling an individual or an agency to participate and contribute towards a just and peaceful world