May 13, 2026(ATHENS)__Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roseline K. Njogu, CBS, delivered a keynote address today at the International Conference on Greece and Africa, hosted by the University of Piraeus in Greece.
Speaking at the event themed "Diplomatic Dialogues, Multilateral Cooperation and Global South Challenges," PS Njogu emphasized the diaspora’s pivotal role in linking migration, development, security, energy, among others, that bind nations together.
“Migrating creates the diaspora. The diaspora finances development. Development builds security. Security enables the energy transition. The energy transition determines whether our children inherit a livable climate,” PS Njogu stated, framing these aspects as interconnected opportunities rather than mere hurdles.
She highlighted how Kenya and Greece are deepening cooperation to view migration as a shared benefit for origin countries, destinations, and migrants alike.
Anchoring her remarks in Kenya’s Foreign Policy, one of its pillars being Diaspora Diplomacy, PS Njogu promoted "brain sharing" over "brain drain." This approach, she explained, fosters the circulation of skills, knowledge, and capital, transforming mobility into a dignified exchange that advances national development and host nations.
PS Njogu detailed the scale of Kenya’s diaspora, estimated at over 4 million people, and their integral role in national development. The PS noted that remittances have surged exponentially compared to a decade ago, signaling profound trust and commitment.
Beyond finances, PS Njogu affirmed that Kenyans in the diaspora contribute expertise in academia, health, technology, business, and diplomacy; amplify Kenya’s global voice; and advance cultural diplomacy through arts and cuisine.
The PS outlined the Government of Kenya’s deliberate efforts to engage its diaspora citizens, including establishing the State Department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA).
She highlighted the department’s key achievements, such as launching the Kenya Diaspora Policy (2024) and streamlining services to the diaspora across its four divisions: Savings, Investments, and Remittances-SIR; Skills and Expertise; Welfare and Rights; and Liaison and Partnerships.
PS Njogu observed a global shift from labor migration to structured mobility, urging quicker skills recognition via Mutual Recognition Agreements, decent work standards, ethical recruitment, and joint training. She advocated portability of social benefits like pensions and healthcare, reduced remittance costs through AU-EU initiatives, and mental health support amid mobility’s pressures.
On political inclusion, the PS advocated expanded diaspora voting rights to infuse global perspectives into governance.
In closing, PS Njogu affirmed that the Kenyan diaspora constitutes a powerful bridge between Kenya and the world.
The address underscores Kenya’s proactive diaspora diplomacy, strengthening Greece-Africa ties amid Global South geopolitical discourse.
The PS was accompanied by Ms. Vicky Pantazopoulou, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kenya to the Hellenic Republic; Mr. Ledama Meisashi, FSO; and Mr. Dominic Maobe, an official from the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Rome.