By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Saudi Arabia, July 6, 2026 - Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens living and working abroad while strengthening policies aimed at increasing the diaspora's contribution to the country's economic development.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi made the remarks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after co-chairing the inaugural Kenya-Saudi Arabia political consultations with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
Mudavadi said the government was determined to address labour mobility challenges by promoting regular, safe and legal migration pathways while protecting the rights and dignity of Kenyans working overseas.
He described the Kenyan diaspora as a key development partner, noting that the government's focus extends beyond remittances to encouraging greater investment by Kenyans abroad in national development projects.
"The diaspora is not only an important source of remittances but also a strategic investment partner," Mudavadi said, highlighting opportunities in affordable housing, healthcare, education, technology, renewable energy and the digital economy.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu reaffirmed the government's commitment to serving all Kenyans living abroad regardless of their status, saying the State Department for Diaspora Affairs was guided by inclusivity.
She said the government had expanded consular services and established a 24-hour emergency response centre to improve support for distressed Kenyans abroad.
Njogu also cautioned Kenyans seeking employment overseas against using unlicensed recruitment agencies, urging them to follow official labour mobility channels to reduce the risk of exploitation and ensure their rights are protected.
The diaspora engagement forum featured an interactive session where Kenyans living in Saudi Arabia shared their experiences, concerns and proposals for improving government services.
Participants said such forums foster a sense of belonging, provide emotional support and strengthen networking among Kenyans living abroad while creating opportunities to address common challenges collectively.
The Riyadh meeting was attended by senior government officials and private sector representatives, including Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Science, Research and Innovation Principal Secretary Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Kenya's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Joseph Masila, Diaspora Skills, Investment and Entrepreneurship Secretary Isaiya Kabira, and other officials.
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