Tuesday, November 26, 2025(LUANDA, ANGOLA)__The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the rights, welfare, and safety of its citizens living abroad, promising targeted measures to address key challenges.
The assurance was made on Tuesday by Amb. Hellen Gichuhi, Secretary for Diaspora Welfare and Rights in the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, representing Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary, Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu,CBS, during the Diaspora engagement with Kenyans in Angola. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the recent European Union-African Union Summit.
Amb. Gichuhi detailed the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen support systems for the diaspora. She outlined the State Department's ten-point mandate and provided updates on programs designed to improve service delivery and streamline assistance channels.
The meeting also featured a message from H.E President William Samoei Ruto, Ph.D, delivered by Kenya’s Ambassador to Angola, Amb. Joyce M’maitsi. She underscored the government's view of the diaspora as active and crucial contributors to national development.
Amb. M’maitsi reiterated the mission’s commitment to forging stronger partnerships that both safeguard and empower Kenyans across the region. She highlighted that enhanced coordination between host institutions and the Embassy is expected to significantly improve access to essential services for Kenyan nationals.
The government's approach signals a strategic shift in how it engages with its global citizenry. Officials acknowledged the diaspora's significant potential in investment, innovation, and global engagement. Further, the State Department is moving from routine outreach to sustained integration of diaspora participation in national planning, economic empowerment, labour mobility, and social protection.
Present in the meeting were Amb. George Orina, Kenya's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU, Amb. Lazarus Amayo, Kenya's Special Envoy for AU Reforms, among others.