Kenya to Establish Six Diaspora Resource Centres to Aid Citizens Abroad

In a significant move aimed at bolstering support for its citizens abroad, the Kenyan government has announced plans to establish six diaspora resource centres across various global locations. This initiative, confirmed by Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, seeks to provide essential assistance to Kenyans facing distress in foreign countries.

The decision comes as part of the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen its engagement with the Kenyan diaspora, a community that plays a vital role in the nation's economy through remittances and investment. "These resource centres will serve as a lifeline for our citizens who encounter unforeseen challenges while abroad," stated Mudavadi during a press briefing on August 19, 2026.

The centres are expected to be strategically located in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, regions with significant Kenyan populations. They will offer a range of services including legal assistance, consular services, and emergency support. "Our priority is to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of their location, has access to timely and efficient support," emphasized Mudavadi.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively engaging with Kenyan embassies and high commissions to facilitate the establishment of these centres. Kenya's Ambassador to the United States, Lazarus Amayo, highlighted the importance of these facilities, noting that they will enhance the capacity of diplomatic missions to respond to the needs of Kenyans abroad. "The establishment of these resource centres is a testament to our commitment to safeguard the welfare of Kenyans overseas," Amayo remarked.

According to the Kenya Diaspora Alliance, a significant number of Kenyans abroad face challenges related to immigration, employment, and access to services. The new centres aim to address these issues by providing a centralized point of contact for assistance. "We have long advocated for such measures to be put in place, and we commend the government for taking this proactive step," said Shem Ochuodho, Global Chairman of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance.

The implementation of this initiative is expected to begin by the end of 2026, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs overseeing the rollout. Funding for the project will be sourced from the national budget, with additional support from diaspora remittances, which have been a crucial component of Kenya's foreign exchange earnings.

As of 2026, the Kenyan diaspora is estimated to number over three million, with remittances contributing over USD 3 billion annually to the country's economy. The establishment of the resource centres is anticipated to not only provide immediate support but also foster stronger ties between the diaspora and the homeland.

This development aligns with Kenya's broader diaspora policy, which aims to harness the potential of its citizens abroad for national development. Under the Kenya National Diaspora Policy, the government has committed to enhancing the welfare of its diaspora community through various initiatives, including the promotion of dual citizenship under the Kenya Dual Citizenship Act of 2010.

The announcement of the diaspora resource centres has been welcomed by many in the Kenyan community abroad, who view it as a positive step towards recognizing and addressing their unique challenges. "This initiative demonstrates a clear recognition of the diaspora's contribution to Kenya's development and the need to support them wherever they are," commented Judith Kariuki, a Kenyan community leader in London.