As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue around US-Africa relations, the Africa Center for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at the University of Nairobi hosted a compelling seminar titled "The Reality of the African Outside of Africa: Dynamism of the African Diaspora." This installment of the ACSUS Speaker Series was held in collaboration with Mr. Lumas Kendrick, Jr., an African Development Specialist, and moderated by Dr. Winnie Rugutt, Program Lead at ACSUS.
The event offered a rich, interdisciplinary conversation on the historical, political, and socio-economic dimensions of the African diaspora, focusing on both past and emerging trends. It brought to light the lived realities of Africans residing beyond the continent, emphasizing their contributions and challenges within global contexts.
Seminar Highlights:
- Historical Context:
The presentation explored the deep historical roots of the African diaspora, tracing its origins to the Arab slave trade (7th century) and the Transatlantic slave trade (15th–19th centuries). It also examined how modern economic migration since the 20th century has continued to shape diaspora communities around the world. - The Return Migration Phenomenon:
A significant focus was placed on the growing trend of African Americans returning to Africa, particularly Kenya. Mr. Kendrick examined both the "pull" factors such as cultural reconnection, investment opportunities, and political stability, and the "push" factors such as racial inequality and disillusionment in the West, that are influencing this reverse migration. - Governmental Role & Socio-Economic Impact:
The session delved into the proactive steps taken by some African governments to attract diaspora returnees, highlighting their role in national development through investment, skills transfer, and cultural exchange. - Kenyan Migration to the U.S.:
The discussion concluded with a comparative analysis of migration in the opposite direction—from Kenya to the United States. It explored motivations for migration, contrasted perceptions vs. realities of life in the West, and encouraged critical reflection on the advantages and challenges of migration for both sending and receiving countries.
The seminar fostered a lively question-and-answer session, allowing students, academics, and policymakers to engage directly with the themes presented. Participants reflected on the interplay between identity, opportunity, and belonging across borders, further enriching the discourse around diaspora dynamics.
This event marked another successful instalment in the ACSUS Speaker Series, continuing the Center’s mission to bridge academic inquiry with real-world impact in understanding the evolving dimensions of US-Africa relations and the African diaspora.
