Kenya Reaffirms Commitment to Safe and Orderly Migration on International Migrants’ Day 2025
The participants included members of the government, development agencies, civil society, as well as members of migrant communities.
Ms. Karari emphasized the importance of collaboration in the effort to tap the power of migration towards shared prosperity, social cohesion, and cultural diversification both at home and abroad. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The Government of Kenya has reiterated its firm commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration, which is recognized as a major catalyst for development in Kenya. This was during the celebration of International Migrants’ Day 2025 at the National Museums of Kenya in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
On behalf of the Principal Secretary, Ms. Roseline Njogu, Ms. Irene Karari, Director of the Skills and Expertise Division, continued by stating that “it is imperative to note that the government is committed to making sure that migration results in positive, inclusive, and sustainable results not only for people in general but for the country as well. Well-managed migration is essential in terms of economic development, as well as developing people’s skills and capacities in partnership with various international stakeholders.”
The forum was convened by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kenya with the theme *“My Great Story: Cultures and Development.”* The forum gathered a diverse group of participants who are members of the Labour Mobility Cluster under the umbrella of the National Coordination Mechanism for Migration. The participants included members of the government, development agencies, civil society, as well as members of migrant communities. The forum offered members a platform to share thoughts regarding the immense contribution of migrants to the national developmental process, diversity, and international cooperation.
In her speech, Ms. Karari emphasized that the holistic approach by the government is vital to effectively managing migration. She stated that the holistic approach involves the whole migration process, from before departure to after return, to maximize the gains and minimize risks involved in migration. She stated that to maximize the gains of migration, it is important to address the whole migration process.
“The Government of Kenya is committed to ensuring that migration is beneficial, safe, and sustainable by addressing all stages of the migration process,” Ms. Karari said, reiterating the government’s policy position.
She emphasized further the need for protecting and leveraging the Kenyan Diaspora, where she referred to Kenyan citizens living and working abroad as essential individuals who would bring about a socio-economic change in their nation.
Ms. Karari continued by indicating that Kenyan individuals living abroad are important partners in partnering towards a nation’s growth through remittances, knowledge transfer, and investments.
Further, Ms. Karari emphasized the need for improved Mashinani or grassroots participation to ensure the availability of information on legal and regular mobility opportunities to communities across the country. This is because communities with information are better equipped to avoid the issue of migration and also have greater access to jobs abroad.
The government further reiterated its pledge to enhance partnerships with development partners, the private sector, and civil society. Ms. Karari emphasized the importance of collaboration in the effort to tap the power of migration towards shared prosperity, social cohesion, and cultural diversification both at home and abroad. Each year, International Migrants Day is celebrated as it highlights the important roles that migrants play in the global community. This is also a good platform where policies aimed at protecting migrants are promoted, along with dialogue on how migrants can influence sustainable development.
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