Government Plan to Strengthen Kenyan Diaspora Presence at the UN

Kenya is embarking on an ambitious initiative to enhance its global presence and empower its youth through strategic placements in international institutions.

The government, led by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is prioritizing the United Nations as a key target for securing internships and employment opportunities for young Kenyans. During discussions held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Mudavadi outlined plans to place Kenyans in both entry-level and managerial positions through one- to two-year internship programs. This effort aims to ensure Kenyan representation in global decision-making bodies and provide valuable experience to the country's emerging professionals.

The Kenyan delegation, which included President William Ruto, Raila Odinga (Kenya's candidate for the African Union Commission chair), Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, engaged with Kenyans currently employed at the UN. These discussions centred on addressing the concerns of Kenyan nationals and exploring avenues for increased participation in international organizations. In addition to the internship program, the government is working to formalize the Kenya UN Club, an organization with approximately 400 members and the potential to register up to 1,800 Kenyans working in New York City.

This initiative seeks to bolster the presence of Kenyan citizens in influential global positions and create a supportive network for professionals abroad. Mudavadi has also revealed plans to advocate for the adoption of Kiswahili as an official UN language. This proposal carries dual benefits: it would elevate the status of Kiswahili on the world stage and generate significant employment opportunities for Kenyans and other Swahili-speaking nations through the translation of UN documents dating back to 1945. The Kenyan government's efforts extend beyond the UN, as evidenced by the US-Kenya Business and Investment Roundtable.

This event highlights Kenya's exceptional human resources and encourages US investors to capitalize on the country's well-educated workforce. President Ruto emphasizes Kenya's improved business climate, educated workforce, and abundant renewable energy resources as key factors making the country an ideal destination for trade and investment.