Kenyan Diaspora Launches African Village Project in Canada

A Kenyan-led community initiative in Athabasca, Alberta, is moving forward with plans to establish an African Village, following formal support from local leaders and active involvement from families across Canada.

A vision led by Dr David Ondieki, President of the Kenyan Community of Alberta and Vice President of the CanAfric Heritage Association, is gaining momentum as members of the African diaspora begin laying foundations for a new cultural settlement in Athabasca. The project was formally introduced on 30 August 2025 during a community event at Athabasca Riverfront Park, drawing participants from Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

The event served both as a cultural gathering and a planning session, with the Deputy Mayor in attendance. She publicly endorsed the initiative and accepted honorary membership in the Association, signalling municipal support for the proposed development.

The African Village, referred to in Dholuo as Dala, meaning "home", is envisioned as more than a residential area. It is planned as a cultural centre preserving African traditions, languages, and values, while contributing to the broader Canadian multicultural landscape.

So far, 30 Association members have committed financially toward land acquisition, and 12 families are preparing to relocate to Athabasca to support the project. According to Dr Ondieki, the initiative reflects a shift from cultural assimilation to intentional community-building. 

“This is not just about buildings and land,” he said at the event. “It is about creating opportunities, fostering friendships, and celebrating who we are as Africans while contributing to the Canadian story.”

Canada is home to approximately 820,000 African-born residents, with about 30,000 of Kenyan origin, many of whom live in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton. The Athabasca project marks a new approach in diaspora engagement, connecting cultural preservation with physical space and long-term settlement.

Members of the Kenyan Community of Alberta expressed optimism and emotional connection to the project. Pauline, a long-time member, shared her hope for seeing the village become reality, while another member, Achy Vivian, highlighted the importance of land ownership in anchoring identity.

The Deputy Mayor described the initiative as “a living bridge between cultures” and pledged ongoing support from the local council. Her remarks reflected a growing alignment between grassroots diaspora efforts and municipal policy, as Canadian communities continue to expand their multicultural frameworks.

Dr Ondieki’s leadership extends beyond Canada. Through the Bamo Foundation, he supports education and youth development in Kenya, particularly in Menengai West, where he is gaining recognition for future leadership roles.