PS Njogu Praises Diaspora for Driving Kenya’s Development and Global Influence

Kenya is intensifying its commitment to inclusive development and international diplomacy. 

Separate events in Meru and Nairobi underscore Kenya’s strategic focus on leveraging global networks and professionalising its foreign service. The People’s Dialogue Festival, inaugurated on 11 July in Meru, served as a platform to recognise the significant contributions of Kenyans abroad. Permanent Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu commended the diaspora for their ongoing role in national advancement. 

Njogu framed the diaspora as key contributors to community development, particularly at the county level, at the annual festival hosted by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy, which convenes citizens, policymakers, and civil society to discuss governance, democratic principles, and sustainable growth. Njogu highlighted initiatives such as medical outreach programmes and environmental projects, particularly the "Diaspora Forests" scheme. 

Through this reforestation initiative, Kenyans living overseas sponsor tree planting across designated areas, supporting the country’s aim to increase forest cover as part of its ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Njogu said that these endeavours illustrate the continued patriotism and sense of belonging among the diaspora population, bridging home-grown policy and global citizenship.

In Nairobi, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei addressed 58 newly recruited Foreign Service Cadets at the Foreign Service Academy, coinciding with the Meru festival. On Tuesday, Sing'oei stressed the importance of versatility and innovation, reflecting the evolving landscape of international diplomacy. He urged the cadets to adopt a mindset suited to modern challenges, highlighting diaspora engagement and consular services as integral to Kenya’s foreign outreach strategy.

The cadets are currently participating in a comprehensive 12-week induction programme, designed to provide them with a thorough understanding of diplomacy, foreign policy, and consular operations. The curriculum includes international law, national security, and economic diplomacy, complemented by soft skills such as emotional intelligence, digital literacy, and conflict resolution.

Acting Director General of the Academy, Ambassador Patrick Wamoto, praised the recruits for their discipline and advocated for responsible engagement on digital platforms, positioning social media as a vital tool in public diplomacy. His remarks indicated a shift in Kenya’s diplomatic training, emphasising adaptability alongside traditional practices.

The Academy’s updated approach marks a significant step in the professionalisation of Kenya’s foreign service. By institutionalising continuous learning and standardised education, the government seeks to develop a cohort of diplomats capable of representing national interests with cultural fluency and ethical integrity.