Diaspora Affairs Department Invites Kenyans Abroad to Review Spending Plans

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has invited Kenyans living abroad to submit views on proposed spending priorities for the diaspora affairs sub-sector for the 2027/28 to 2029/30 financial years.

In a notice shared through its official social media channels, the department said it is seeking public input on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) covering the three-year period. The department has made the Subsector MTEF Report 2026 available to the public, allowing Kenyans abroad to review the proposed programmes and priorities. 

It has also issued a feedback template to guide submissions and help standardise responses. The consultation is part of the government’s wider planning and budgeting process and is intended to incorporate the views of the diaspora into decisions on programmes and resource allocation.

Diaspora engagement has become an increasingly important part of Kenya’s policy agenda because of the economic and social contribution of Kenyans living overseas. Remittances provide billions of dollars in foreign exchange each year and support households across the country.

The diaspora also contributes through investment, skills transfer and advocacy. Its participation in the MTEF process provides an opportunity for these interests to be reflected in government programmes and spending priorities.

The MTEF sets expenditure priorities over a three-year period and aligns government spending with broader national development objectives. The consultation will allow diaspora communities to propose changes or new measures in areas affecting Kenyans abroad.

Possible areas of feedback include expanding consular services, improving investment facilitation and strengthening welfare support for citizens living overseas. Submissions should be sent to finance@diaspora.go.ke. The department has encouraged contributors to use the official feedback template when making their submissions.

The views received will inform the government’s consideration of spending priorities for diaspora affairs as it prepares for the next phase of medium-term planning.