Roseline Njogu: From Law Lecturer to Kenya’s Diaspora Lifeline

Principal Secretary Roseline Kathure Njogu leads Kenya’s State Department for Diaspora Affairs, where she oversees efforts to protect and support Kenyans living and working abroad through labour agreements, diplomatic engagement and emergency assistance.

Njogu grew up in Trans-Nzoia County, where her father served in the Kenya Prisons Service. His work required the family to move between correctional facilities in Kitale, exposing her from an early age to the demands of public service. She later attended Alliance Girls High School before studying law at the University of Nairobi.

She went on to earn a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School, combining a Kenyan legal education with international academic experience. Before joining government, Njogu built her career in academia and consulting. 

At Riara University Law School, she served as Faculty Head of Academic Standards and produced research on legal and social reform. Her book, Commercial Bank of God, examined Islamic banking within Kenya’s legal system. She also co-authored The Wife of Law, which analysed how statutory law, religion and cultural traditions contribute to gender inequality.

Njogu later joined Dalberg Global Development Advisors, where she worked on development and public policy projects. Her work focused on identifying systemic challenges, improving links between training and labour market needs, and developing safeguards for vulnerable workers. The experience strengthened her expertise in addressing complex policy issues that affect communities across different sectors.

As Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Njogu oversees the implementation of bilateral labour agreements aimed at improving working conditions and protecting Kenyan workers abroad. Her department works with Kenyan embassies, foreign governments and humanitarian organisations to respond to cases involving labour disputes, human trafficking, legal challenges and emergency evacuations.

Many of these cases are resolved through diplomatic engagement and coordination across several jurisdictions. While some receive public attention, others are handled privately because of their sensitive nature. The department’s work reflects the government's commitment to supporting Kenyans overseas, whose remittances continue to make a significant contribution to the national economy.

Njogu’s career brings together experience in law, academia, public policy and government.