Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Kenyans living and working abroad, describing their protection as a “non-negotiable duty.”
Speaking on Friday, November 21, 2025, during an engagement with Kenyans in Perth, Australia, Njogu said the State Department for Diaspora Affairs has, over the past three years, strengthened mechanisms aimed at ensuring the rights, safety and welfare of citizens overseas are prioritised.
She noted that the government has put in place structured, rapid-response systems that have improved emergency interventions and accelerated support for distressed Kenyans.
These include successful repatriations from conflict zones, faster handling of distress cases, establishment of a 24-hour helpline, and expanded medical evacuation and psychosocial assistance for those facing trauma, illness or high-risk situations.
The PS also highlighted the impact of the Mobile Consular Services outreach programme, which now brings key services—such as passport renewals and welfare assessments—directly to diaspora communities.
She said the initiative has eased delays and reduced the vulnerability of Kenyans abroad.
“The Government’s position is clear: the protection of Kenyans abroad is a non-negotiable duty. We will continue to invest in systems, partnerships and safeguards to ensure no Kenyan is left without support, regardless of location or circumstance,” she said.
Njogu added that the Kenyan diaspora remains a crucial community of investors, innovators and strategic partners in national development. In line with this, the government has shifted from routine engagement to fully integrating diaspora participation into national priorities.
This is being achieved through targeted programmes in economic empowerment, labour mobility, investment facilitation, civic inclusion and social protection.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia, Dr. Wilson Kogo, said the mission in Canberra is aligned with this agenda and is enhancing its consular capacity while strengthening partnerships with Australian institutions.
These efforts, he said, support labour mobility, skills recognition and the welfare of Kenyans in Australia.
Kogo noted that the strengthened systems have already led to faster consular processing and better access to assistance for the Kenyan community across the country.
The Perth meeting provided a platform for diaspora members to raise concerns, seek clarification and propose solutions to challenges affecting them.
The feedback, officials said, will help the government further refine its response to diaspora needs.
PS Njogu was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Fred Eshikuta, Director L&P Edwin Limo, Assistant Director S&E Ruth Kitonyi and FSO/OPS Velma Mudibo.
