Kenyan Youth and Diaspora Set to Join Pan-African Gatherings in Ethiopia

Kenya is working with partners to increase the participation of its youth and diaspora community in two Pan-African conferences scheduled for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in December.

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs is coordinating efforts to facilitate the attendance of Kenyan youth, professionals and diaspora members living in Ethiopia at the Bandung Conference on 1–2 December and a Youth Conference scheduled for 5 December.

Preparations were discussed during a meeting between Ann Wanjohi, Director of Liaison and Partnerships at the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, and Judge Peter Herbert, Co-Chair of Bandung Africa. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation ahead of the events, with an emphasis on youth participation, diaspora engagement and the challenges facing young Africans living outside their home countries.

The government sees Kenyans living abroad as an important source of professional expertise, experience and international networks. Their participation is expected to bring additional perspectives to discussions on Africa's development priorities, including sustainable growth and regional cooperation.

The conferences are expected to bring together diplomats, policymakers, youth representatives and public officials from across the continent. The gatherings will provide a platform for discussions on economic transformation, employment, governance, innovation and cooperation between African countries.

Diaspora communities also play an increasingly important role in Africa's development through remittances, investment, knowledge sharing and international advocacy. Representatives from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Bandung Africa and the Youth Secretariat Kenya Chapter attended the preparatory meeting.