Kenya Meets Diaspora Leaders Across East Africa to Improve Services for Citizens

Kenya's State Department for Diaspora Affairs held a virtual meeting with Kenyan community leaders across the East African Community (EAC) to discuss the needs of citizens living, working and studying in the region, and to identify ways to improve government support.

The meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, brought together representatives from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and other EAC member states, reflecting the wide presence of Kenyans across the region. Discussions focused on improving access to government services, including expanding mobile consular programmes and strengthening digital platforms to provide civic and consular services more effectively.

Diaspora leaders also called for the harmonisation of academic qualifications and greater access to scholarships, describing education as an important factor in improving mobility and opportunities within the EAC. A memorandum presented during the meeting outlined proposals for more regular engagement between the government and diaspora communities. It also called for better investment support, stronger welfare services and improved emergency response measures to address the needs of Kenyans living abroad.

In response, PS Njogu reaffirmed the government's commitment to regular consultations with the diaspora. She also pledged closer cooperation with agencies including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Ministry of Education to improve diaspora participation in national programmes.

The Principal Secretary invited diaspora leaders to continue the discussions in Nairobi, signalling plans to build on the virtual meeting through further engagement. She said cooperation between government institutions was essential because diaspora issues affect a range of sectors, including trade, education, elections and social protection.

The meeting reflects Kenya's growing focus on strengthening engagement with citizens living within the East African region. While government policy has often focused on remittances and investment from Kenyans living overseas, the EAC is home to a large Kenyan community that also contributes to the country's development.