MP Calls For Special Unit To Assist Kenyans In Distress Abroad

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan has urged the government to establish a special unit dedicated to assisting Kenyans facing distress abroad.

He criticized the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for not adequately addressing the challenges faced by Kenyans working in difficult environments.

“This department has not sufficiently responded to Kenyans working in hostile conditions. There is a need for a dedicated unit to handle such distress cases. Do you have a timeframe for addressing these concerns?” Hassan asked.

The Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by MP Nelson Koech, met with officials from the State Departments of Diaspora Affairs and Foreign Affairs to discuss the 2025/26 Budget Policy Statement.

Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Roseline Njogu, presented the department’s proposed budget of Sh675.9 million, highlighting achievements such as facilitating two bilateral labour agreements and providing consular services to 168 Kenyans. However, she admitted that no diaspora officers had been posted to Kenyan missions yet.

MP Elijah Memusi sought clarification on the department’s facilitation of 250,000 jobs abroad, asking for details on the workers’ destinations and welfare. Meanwhile, MP Fred Ikana questioned the funding source for the planned 16 diaspora offices within Kenyan missions.

Responding to the concerns, PS Njogu explained that while diaspora offices would be housed within embassies, additional funding was needed to deploy officers. She also noted that response timelines for Kenyans in distress depended on host countries’ cooperation, which sometimes posed challenges.

The Committee also engaged Foreign Affairs PS Dr. Korir Singoei, who presented a proposed budget of Sh23.15 billion for his department. He highlighted key achievements, including coordinating three investment promotion activities and strengthening Kenya’s foreign relations through high-level visits.

PS Singoei emphasized Kenya’s commitment to using diplomacy to drive economic growth and global partnerships. The Committee is expected to present its report to the Liaison Committee next week.