Thursday, September 10, 2026(NAIROBI)___Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu, CBS, has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening partnerships with diplomatic missions to advance the diaspora diplomacy agenda.
Speaking during a diplomatic briefing in Nairobi presided by the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, H.E Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Ms. Njogu outlined the State Department for Diaspora Affairs’ key priorities: creating opportunities for Kenyans abroad, protecting their welfare and rights, and harnessing the diaspora’s contribution to national development.
On labour mobility, Ms. Njogu reported that Kenya has placed over 580,000 citizens in overseas jobs through the Kazi Majuu Programme and other initiatives. She credited the progress to strong partnerships with Kenyan missions abroad and the goodwill of partner governments.
“These efforts are complemented by investments in language training, skills certification, mutual recognition of qualifications and pre-departure preparation, ensuring that Kenyan workers are well-equipped, globally competitive and adequately protected in international labour markets,” she said.
The Principal Secretary also highlighted progress in diaspora engagement, noting increased participation in national development programmes such as health insurance, NSSF, affordable housing and investment opportunities. She added that the diaspora has actively contributed to the development and review of nine policies, Bills and regulations, reflecting the Government’s commitment to inclusive governance.
On protection and welfare, Ms. Njogu reported the evacuation of 861 distressed and stranded Kenyans from conflict zones, alongside the repatriation of mortal remains and support for vulnerable children and other citizens in need. She emphasized the importance of strong collaboration among Kenya Missions, host-country authorities, employers and relevant institutions to safeguard the rights, welfare and dignity of Kenyan nationals abroad.
Turning to economic engagement, Ms. Njogu noted that diaspora remittances reached approximately US$5.04 billion in 2025. She called on diplomatic partners to facilitate linkages between Kenya and diaspora investors, businesses, financial institutions and technology ecosystems to translate these resources into productive investment, innovation and sustainable development.
Ms. Njogu also outlined progress in regional and multilateral cooperation, including advocacy for social benefits portability, affordable remittances and enhanced protection of migrant workers through the East African Community and other platforms. She further reported ongoing engagements with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to expand diaspora voting beyond the current the other countries.
The Principal Secretary also invited diplomatic partners to work closely with the State Department to identify practical areas of cooperation that can be progressed immediately, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to safe, orderly, regular and ethical labour mobility alongside the protection and welfare of Kenyan nationals abroad.
The briefing was attended by members of the diplomatic corps in Nairobi, the top leadership of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.