Rose Mithamo Unveils Vision to Empower Kenyan Diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg

Rose Mithamo, elected president of the Association of Kenyan Diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg (AKDBL) in June 2026, is focusing on community engagement, cultural preservation and stronger links between Kenyans abroad and institutions at home.

Mithamo leads a diverse Kenyan community spread across Belgium and Luxembourg. She sees her role as bringing people together, improving access to information and creating opportunities for members to participate in community activities and development initiatives.

Her approach reflects the changing needs of Kenyans living abroad. Beyond social gatherings and cultural celebrations, diaspora communities increasingly seek reliable information, investment opportunities, institutional support and ways to preserve their cultural identity. AKDBL aims to meet these needs by connecting Kenyans abroad with diplomatic institutions, businesses and other stakeholders in Kenya.

The association maintains close links with the Kenyan Embassy in Belgium while operating as an independent, community-led organisation. It seeks to work with official institutions without compromising its autonomy or its ability to represent members from different backgrounds.

Political neutrality is central to this approach. AKDBL aims to provide an inclusive platform for Kenyans with different political views and experiences, allowing them to work together on shared interests without partisan divisions. The association considers this important as diaspora communities become more involved in discussions about migration, investment and citizen participation.

Access to accurate information is another priority for Mithamo. Kenyans living abroad can face difficulties understanding administrative procedures, identifying legitimate opportunities and distinguishing reliable information from misinformation. These challenges can leave people vulnerable to confusion and exploitation.

AKDBL plans to strengthen its communication networks and manage member information responsibly to help create a trusted environment for community engagement. The aim is to make it easier for members to share information, access support and communicate with relevant institutions.

The association is also expanding its advocacy work. Among the issues it is pursuing are the recognition of Kenyan driving licences and other administrative challenges affecting Kenyans in Belgium and Luxembourg. It is also seeking closer engagement with Kenya's State Department for Diaspora Affairs, particularly on diaspora representation and access to voting services.

Although the diaspora contributes to Kenya through remittances, investment and professional expertise, some citizens continue to face barriers when accessing government services or participating in civic processes. AKDBL wants to provide a formal channel through which members can raise these issues and pursue solutions with the relevant authorities.

Cultural preservation is another key part of Mithamo's agenda. She recognises the difficulties families face in maintaining their connection to Kenyan languages and traditions while raising children in multilingual and multicultural environments abroad.

Her personal interest in helping younger relatives learn Kiswahili has developed into a wider community initiative. In partnership with The Kenyan Diaspora Media, AKDBL is preparing to introduce a Kiswahili learning programme that was expected to begin towards the end of September 2026.

The programme initially targets Kenyan families, with plans for it to reach more people through community networks. Organisers hope it will help younger generations maintain their connection to Kenya by improving their language skills and familiarity with their cultural heritage.

The association is also preparing for this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations under the theme Mashujaa Beyond Borders: Empowering the Kenyan Diaspora. The programme comprises a virtual empowerment forum on 9 October and a gala event on 10 October.

The events are intended to provide opportunities for investment discussions, professional networking, entrepreneurship, skills transfer and engagement with institutions. Through the programme, AKDBL hopes to recognise the role Kenyans abroad can play in the country's development and strengthen their connections with opportunities at home.

Organisers expect about 130 members of the Kenyan community in Belgium to attend, alongside business leaders, investors, diplomats, professionals, students and representatives of other international and African organisations. The association is also engaging Kenyan businesses and institutions to connect diaspora members with potential partners and opportunities in Kenya.

Preparations have also taken account of difficulties encountered during the previous year's celebrations. Organisers had to scale back parts of the 2025 Mashujaa Day programme after a sponsor withdrew shortly before the event. This year, the association is placing greater emphasis on stable partnerships and activities that can deliver benefits beyond the celebrations themselves.