The launch of the Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024 was a great milestone and is expected to propel the document and it’s outcomes to Bill level in parliament soon. The launch held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, witnessed a historic milestone as the Government officially launched the Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024.

Optiven Limited which also participated in the formulation of the policy was represented at the launch by Corporate Affairs Manager Cathrine Khasoa and Diaspora Relationship Manager for the United Kingdom, Lilian Waweru. Speaking on stakeholder engagement and the previous formulation stakeholders forum held between 24th and 27th July 2024, Khasoa noted that the forum was held to deliberate and validate the final document presented to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for onforwarding.

She said, “the stakeholders forum brought together a number of players including the private sector which was represented by Optiven. The deliberations centered on needs of diasporians and how to protect their investments while in diaspora. The issue of orientation for those entering the diaspora and repatriation of returnees was especially widely discussed during the July caucus courtesy of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs as well as the International Organization for Migration”. The comprehensive policy builds on the foundation laid by the 2014 Diaspora Policy, realigning and elevating the role of Kenyans abroad in national development.

The launch event, presided over by His Excellency Honorable Musalia Mudavadi , Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, unpacked the contents of the policy document aimed at transforming how the Government engages with the Kenyan diaspora and integrating them into the national development agenda.

He described the policy as a turning point for Kenyans abroad, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to creating deliberate avenues for enhanced engagement. Accompanying him was Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, who highlighted the policy’s potential to establish legal frameworks ensuring that Kenyans in the diaspora are actively involved in national matters.

The launch was attended by members of the diplomatic corps in Nairobi, leaders of international organizations, and Kenyan diaspora representatives from countries including the US, UK, Germany, Malta, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Uganda, China, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, and France.

So what exactly is the Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024?

It is a document that seeks to address emerging issues such as labor mobility, financial remittances, technology transfer, and safeguarding diaspora rights and welfare. The document reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with its diaspora community and leveraging their contributions for sustainable development.

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