Kenyan Embassy in Saudi Arabia Seeks Diaspora Views on Live Online Forums

The Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh has invited Kenyans living and working in Saudi Arabia to give their views on a proposal to hold regular online forums between embassy officials and the diaspora.

The public consultation seeks feedback on whether interactive virtual sessions should be introduced to improve communication between the embassy and the Kenyan community. The proposed forums would provide updates on consular services, discuss issues affecting Kenyans in Saudi Arabia and allow participants to ask general questions in real time.

The embassy is considering platforms including Facebook Live, TikTok Live and Zoom. The final choice will depend on practical considerations and the preferences expressed during the consultation. The embassy said it wants to develop a system that meets the needs of Kenyans living across the Kingdom.

According to the embassy, the proposal forms part of wider efforts to improve communication through digital channels and make information more accessible. It said public feedback will help determine how often the sessions are held, which topics should be covered and how the forums should be organised.

"The proposed sessions would provide an interactive platform through which Embassy officials can share important consular updates, discuss matters of common interest, provide general guidance on consular services, and respond to general enquiries from the Kenyan community," the embassy said.

The consultation reflects the growing use of digital technology to strengthen engagement with citizens living abroad. For many Kenyans in Saudi Arabia, who work in sectors ranging from domestic employment to professional services, online access to embassy guidance could reduce the need to travel to Riyadh for information and support.

The proposal also highlights a broader move towards greater participation by the diaspora in shaping the services available to them. If introduced, the online forums could provide a model for other Kenyan diplomatic missions in the Gulf and elsewhere.

The embassy has encouraged members of the Kenyan community to share their views through the comments section of its public notice. It said the consultation is intended to strengthen engagement with Kenyans across Saudi Arabia and support efforts to improve consular services through digital communication.