“Kenyans abroad are not just citizens living far from home — you are essential partners in our country’s development,” stated Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, during a diaspora engagement in Dubai on June 13, 2025.
The event, held at Hyatt Regency Creek Heights, brought together a cross-section of Kenyan professionals, entrepreneurs, and students living and working in the UAE.
PS Njogu praised the community for their exceptional contributions to the UAE’s economy, calling them a “source of national pride.”
There were two events in the UAE:
- One held in Dubai at the Hyatt Regency Creek Heights
- And the other was held in Abu Dhabi at the Bab Al Qasr Hotel
𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐀 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐀 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐁𝐀𝐈, 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐁 𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒
— State Department for Diaspora Affairs | Kenya (@Diaspora_KE) June 14, 2025
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary, Ms. @roselinenjogu , has lauded the Kenyan community in Dubai for their exceptional contribution to the United… pic.twitter.com/NPXLyh8NEB
Highlights from the Dubai Engagement
The evening’s program, which was from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featured presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions focused on deepening ties between the Government of Kenya and its diaspora.
Key moments in the discussions included:
- Opening remarks by Amb. David Lokemer, who is Kenya’s Consul General in Dubai.
- Presentation by Mr. Robert Morris from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), encouraging Kenyans to invest in government securities through the DhowCSD mobile platform.
- Discussion on the Affordable Housing Initiative, spotlighting the Government’s Boma Yangu program as a practical channel for diaspora investment.
PS Njogu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to placing the diaspora at the heart of Kenya’s development strategy, acknowledging the role Kenyans abroad play in:
- Driving investments
- Sharing skills and knowledge
- Building global networks that can spur national growth
“The talents, achievements, and networks of Kenyans abroad are integral to our vision of a thriving, inclusive Kenya,” she emphasized.
She celebrated Kenyan excellence in key sectors within the UAE, including hospitality, ICT, aviation, retail, and security, noting their strong entrepreneurial spirit and professionalism.
More Kenyans have been moving to the UAE in search of greener pastures, and a good number have landed decent jobs, allowing them to comfortably live there while still sending money back home.
Related: Exclusive Interview: A Kenyan’s Perspective on Living & Working in Dubai
Achievements and Strategic Vision
The PS offered a powerful overview of the department’s progress over the past 2.5 years:
- Digital access to 22,000+ government services via the E-Citizen platform
- Mobile Consular Services delivered in 121 cities across 55 countries
- Implementation of the Global Labour Market Strategy, creating thousands of job opportunities at home and abroad
Drawing from global examples, she cited how diaspora communities from countries like India have transformed sectors such as healthcare through strategic engagement, and challenged Kenyans abroad to seize similar opportunities.
A Courtesy Call and Deeper Cooperation
Earlier in her visit, PS Njogu paid a courtesy call to Kenya’s Ambassador to the UAE, Amb. Kenneth Nganga, where they discussed:
- Joint action on human trafficking
- Protection of Kenyan migrant workers
- Enhanced collaboration with the Diaspora Placement Agency (DPA)
- Strengthening of consular resources and services
Amb. Nganga, joined by Consul General Lokemer, echoed the need for more robust support systems and praised the State Department’s quick response during recent tragedies, including the fire in Sharjah that claimed the lives of three Kenyan nationals.
Related: Dubai Real Estate Opportunities for Kenyans
Abu Dhabi Roundtable
In Abu Dhabi, the PS met a diverse group of Kenyan professionals and leaders. The roundtable explored:
- Opportunities in diaspora-led investments
- Tools for skills transfer and national development
- Better structures for government-diaspora partnerships
She was accompanied by:
- Zamzam Mohamed, MP (Diaspora & Migrant Workers Committee)
- Abdikadir Hussein Mohamed, MP (Defence, Intelligence & Foreign Relations Committee)
- CBK Deputy Director Robert Aloo, who demonstrated DhowCSD’s value for direct diaspora investing
- The Affordable Housing Team, led by PS Charles Hinga
Met a vibrant group of Kenyan leaders & professionals living in Abu Dhabi.
— Roseline Kathure Njogu, CBS 🇰🇪 (@roselinenjogu) June 11, 2025
We together spoke about enhancing service delivery, diaspora investment, skills, knowledge & tech transfer, and diaspora engagement.
Accompanied by a team from @NAssemblyKE @CBKKenya and the Affordable… pic.twitter.com/ISKHqP73kw
Conclusion: A Renewed Commitment
The two engagements in Dubai and Abu Dhabi reflect a growing shift in how Kenya relates to its global citizens, not just as remittance senders, but as strategic contributors to national development.
However, we hope that this is more than a public relations activity and more of a way to try and collaborate with the diaspora to drive innovation, investment, and development.
Related: How to Send Money to Kenya (M-Pesa & Bank Account) From the UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi) with Equity Bank
