In a landmark move to further integrate its global community into the national development agenda, the Government of Kenya officially launched the Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024 on Thursday, March 13. The policy was unveiled in Nairobi by H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, marking a significant step toward strengthening the relationship between Kenya and its diaspora.
The newly launched policy is described as a comprehensive strategic framework designed to empower, engage, and protect Kenyans living abroad, while harnessing their potential for the country's socio-economic development. It builds on the foundation of the 2014 Diaspora Policy, refining and expanding on key areas to better address contemporary global challenges and opportunities.
"This Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024 has been recalibrated and improved to respond to globalization shifts, emerging opportunities and threats, and the establishment of a dedicated State Department for Diaspora Affairs,” said H.E. Mudavadi. The policy, according to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, is more than just a document but a call for action to foster deeper collaboration with the diaspora.
Key areas of focus in the new policy include Labor Mobility, which aims to enhance employment opportunities for Kenyans abroad; Remittances and Investment, aimed at streamlining financial remittances and attracting more diaspora investment into the country; Technology Transfer and Skills Development, designed to tap into the expertise of Kenyans abroad for national development; and Rights Protection, which seeks to safeguard the welfare of Kenyans living outside the country.
The government is committed to empowering the diaspora and has introduced several initiatives under the new policy. Notable among them is the Mobile Consular Services (MCS) outreach programme, which has already reached over 14,744 Kenyans in more than 55 countries. Additionally, the policy emphasizes partnerships with international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to help implement its objectives effectively.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roseline K. Njogu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment, saying, “This policy is designed to protect, engage, empower, and create prosperity for Kenyans abroad. It lays out how we intend to achieve this over the next two to three decades.”
Furthermore, the government has announced plans to introduce a Diaspora Bill to formalize administrative processes and further institutionalize diaspora engagement.
However, the policy also acknowledges the ongoing challenges faced by the diaspora, including human trafficking under the guise of labor mobility, geopolitical instability in key markets, and systemic barriers to success for Kenyans abroad. The government has promised to continue addressing these issues through diplomatic efforts and strategic policies.
Ms. Njogu also urged Kenyans abroad to actively engage with the new policy, highlighting its role in fostering transformative change for Kenya’s global engagement. "This is just the beginning of a journey that will strengthen our ties with the diaspora and integrate their contributions into national progress,” she concluded.
The Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the government’s efforts to build a mutually beneficial relationship with its diaspora community, addressing their needs and aspirations in an increasingly interconnected world while also harnessing their potential to drive national progress.
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