Robinson Gichuhi

Robinson Gichuhi is the current Chairman of the Diaspora Movement of Kenya. He is a community organizer. Mr. Gichuhi graduated from the University of Nairobi, Kenya; and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, U.S.A.
Robinson founded the Diaspora Movement of Kenya
in 2008 as a social movement to spearhead the total overhaul of the social, political and economic system in the Republic of Kenya. By reaching members of the Kenyan Diaspora in the 193 sovereign states as recognized by the United Nations (as denoted under the list of sovereign states), in conjunction with the people of Kenya, the movement is poised to bring broad social, economic and political changes via a peaceful revolution.
The movement's objectives include major changes in cultural, economic, and socio-political institutions via a sustained and organized global public effort.
Robinson was one of the founding members of the Kenya Welfare Association (KWA)(formerly the Kenya Cultural Association). Gichuhi was also the first leader to initiate a special program to assist members by creating a database of partner organizations whose programs would benefit KWA members at little or no cost.
Robinson is also a Director with the Kenya Development Agency (KDA).
Early life
Born in Kinoo Location of Kiambu District, Robinson is the eldest son of Jared G. Gichuhi (deceased) and Eddah N. Gichuhi. He was educated at the Thogoto Junior Academy (now Musa Gitau Primary School) between 1972 and 1978. Gichuhi would proceed to study at the Lenana School for 6 years (O Level and A Level) from 1979 to 1984 obtaining a score that would land him a spot in the University of Nairobi (UON) to study Economics and Political Science.
Education & International Interests
Robinson’s interests in international developmental projects would be cultivated while a student at the University of Nairobi, when he joined and eventually rose to become the Marketing Coordinator of AIESEC - Kenya. He would then proceed to add to his credentials with graduate studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
His zeal for international exposure and development would be further developed during travels, leadership development seminars, and internships in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany and the United States. When Mr. Gichuhi finally landed a position with AT&T in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, he was eager to contribute to the local community and became a co-founder and president of the Kenya Welfare Association. He would hold the president’s position until his tenure was up in 2007.
Community Service Achievements
Robinson Gichuhi’s community involvement was centered on the doctrine of self-help based on unity. Based on a teamwork approach, Mr. Gichuhi would be instrumental in developing a communications system within the Kenya community in the mid-western part of the United States that would form the basis for many successes when the community needed to come together to deal with issues. From weddings to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issues, the unity concept would be instrumental in raising funds to meet various challenges. Other organizations would spring from this unity concept, such as the Organization of Kenyans in Kansas City (OKKC).
The Kenya Welfare Association
Robinson previously served as the President of the Kenya Welfare Association from November 2000 to November 2007. The Kenya Welfare Association (KWA) is a Saint Louis, Missouri-based National non-profit organization formed for the purpose of enhancement of Kenyans living, studying and working in the mid-western part of the United States through co-operation and formation of strategic alliances. KWA aims to promote a Kenyan community where members support each other to achieve common goals that will benefit the entire community whilst attaining individual goals.
KWA also endeavors to integrate members of the Kenyan community with the wider American community, via cooperation with government, non-governmental and social welfare agencies. The association does this via well-developed programs that connect the member to professional groups and to various groups. This is done via networking for career and business development, updates on immigration data, church integration and development, as well as organized sports and social functions.
Robinson's commitment since 1993 towards the primary goal connecting newly arrived and current members of the Kenyan community with those who have more experience and connections in the United States so as to help them make the best of their time in the U.S., remained unwavering since he joined the organization. As a leader, Gichuhi was able to keep the organization going, at times even if with a skeleton crew.
Diaspora Movement of Kenya
Robinson's belief is that Kenyans in the Diaspora (meaning Kenyans abroad - not just those in the United States), have an obligation to change their homeland. When they were sent abroad to study or work, their obligation began then. If there was no specific reason to send them abroad, then they should have remained in Kenya.
With this background and understanding, Robinson founded the Diaspora Movement of Kenya. He reiterates that that no one else, except those that have seen the difference while living abroad have the zeal, enthusiasm and can-do attitude, to bring constructive change to Kenya. By ushering in a new set of leaders that are untainted by corruption and impunity; and a strong commitment to "cleaning house" where one is judged by the strength of his or her character; and not by ones ethnic background, is one of the pillars of the movement.
Reboot Kenya & The Kenya Revolution
DMK's leadership understands that a completely new generation of accountable leaders, coupled with viable institutions, is the only combination possible that can "reboot" Kenya and take it out of the bonds of selfishness, corruption and impunity, and into the land of equity, and accountability.
As articulated by DMK's leadership, some reasons why a worldwide approach is required includes but not limited to:
1. Funds Transfer to Kenya
At the height of a better world economy, Kenyans overseas sent an estimated Ksh. 85 billion (US$ 1.3 billion). The Kenyan Diaspora has been playing an important role in the development of the country through remittances and promotion of Kenya’s economic development abroad. However, the role of the Kenyan Diaspora in the development of the country has not been fully acknowledged. Those in the Kenya Diaspora have argued that they are continually blocked from actively participating in the social, economic and political arenas.
Conversely, there are those that argue that monetary contribution does not justify participation. Proponents of this view seem to rely on the "be here" approach, arguing that a physical presence is required to have the desired impact.

With these divergent views, parties are able to review their approach and decide which works better.
2. Active Participation
DMK sees change coming from Kenyans abroad, initiated and executed by Kenyan nationals. The clear statement by the President of the United States while on a visit to Ghana, that only "Africans can change Africa", has been true forever. Africans, however, tend to sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to do the dirty work. By using a united vehicle, such as the Diaspora Movement of Kenya, and cooperation with organizations that share our mission, all Kenyans can finally live the Kenyan dream.
Those hostile to this view, however believe that active participation is not enough. Advocacy by sincerely patriotic persons is seen as the key since they (patriotic) Kenyans, are apt to safeguard the country's interest. At the end of this debate, active participation becomes the key word.
3. The "External View"
DMK leadership takes the Diaspora to task, asking them to use their actual experiences while living abroad, record them and implement them in their home country. By having a clear view and active living in systems that work (and sometimes systems that do not work.) The experiences of Kenyan students and workers in Australia, Japan, Bulgaria, China, the United States, Argentina, Morocco, Thailand, India or any country aside from Kenya, has given the Diaspora a special view of other systems of government, business environments, social and political infrastructure and economic systems. With that background, Kenyans have become enlightened on what has nearly destroyed Kenya since independence. By using that knowledge in a leadership role, in an organization, on the ground, as a campaigner for change, as teacher, in a new government, etc. constructive and meaningful change becomes a reality.
4. Networking
With the advent of technology, networking is a breeze. The days when Kenyans would have to wait for someone flying in from Kenya with old copies of the Nation or Standard newspaper just to get a glimpse of Kenya news are gone. Today, events are streamed live worldwide, and up to the second updates on events around the world are possible.
5. Time is of the essence
The years since Kenya's independence have seen depletion of natural resources, grand theft of the treasury, massive corruption, systematic killing of our people because of their ethnic background, coalition of selfish politicians and rotting of the social, economic and political system. Inaction within this realm is not viewed as an option.
Private life
Robinson Gichuhi married Jacinta Gichuhi in March 2000. Robinson Gichuhi s known to be a keen outdoor person and avid golfer and has memberships around the world. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu