Thursday, September 24, 2026(NEW YORK, USA)__On Thursday, Kenya highlighted the growing role of its diaspora as a strategic partner in national development, with Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu, CBS, outlining how the Government is transforming diaspora engagement from a remittance-focused approach into a broader agenda for investment, skills transfer, innovation and inclusive growth.
Ms. Njogu spoke during the Devex Impact House @UNGA dialogue, themed 'When Diaspora Becomes a Development Strategy,' held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The session, moderated by Ms. Elissa Miolene, explored how countries can harness diaspora investment, expertise and opportunity while protecting migrant workers and addressing the risks associated with skills migration. The dialogue formed part of Devex Impact House @ UNGA 81, held from September 21–24.
The Principal Secretary said Kenya’s diaspora had evolved into a genuine development partner whose contribution extends well beyond remittances. She noted that diaspora inflows reached a record US$5.04 billion in 2025, making them a leading and stable source of foreign exchange for the country.
Ms. Njogu traced the evolution of Kenya’s diaspora from early migration during the colonial and Second World War periods, through the 1960s Kennedy Airlift programme, to the present expansion of structured international labour mobility.
She observed that constitutional gains, including the recognition of dual citizenship and diaspora voting rights, had helped redefine the Government’s relationship with Kenyans abroad and informed the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
The PS underscored the need to move beyond viewing skills migration solely as “brain drain,” instead promoting brain circulation, where diaspora professionals return periodically or engage virtually to transfer knowledge, skills, technology and professional networks to institutions and communities in Kenya.
The Principal Secretary cited examples of Kenyan professionals, including healthcare workers, participating in short-term knowledge-exchange engagements that strengthen local capacity while sustaining professional links with their home country.
Ms. Njogu also highlighted the Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform, which brings together opportunities for investment, business establishment, skills transfer, philanthropy and community financing in one integrated space. The platform is intended to make it easier for Kenyans abroad to identify credible opportunities and participate directly in Kenya’s development.
She further linked the diaspora agenda to Kenya’s youthful population and the Global Labour Market Strategy, which seeks to prepare Kenyan talent for international opportunities while safeguarding workers through regulation, bilateral agreements, ethical recruitment, pre-departure preparation and welfare protection.
Ms. Njogu emphasized that safe, orderly and regular labour mobility must remain central to the Government’s approach, ensuring that overseas employment creates benefits for workers, host countries and Kenya alike.
The Principal Secretary was accompanied by Ms. Irene Karari, Director in charge of the Skills and Expertise, and Ms. Praxedes, FSO.