Ambassador Kerich Leads Three-Day Forum for Kenyan Diaspora in Atlanta

Kenya’s ambassador to the United States, David Kerich, has completed a three-day engagement with Kenyan diaspora members in Atlanta, Georgia, aimed at strengthening ties and advancing shared development goals.

The Diaspora Growth and Development Engagement Forum, held from 14 to 16 November, brought together professionals, students, and business owners for discussions on trade, education, innovation, and investment. Organisers stressed the need for unity among Kenyans living in the United States, noting that collective action is essential for achieving common priorities.

The involvement of the Kenyan Embassy reinforced this message, positioning the mission as both a facilitator of opportunities and a supporter of the community abroad. The Embassy also offered mobile consular services during the forum, allowing attendees to obtain passports, identity cards, birth certificates, and dual-citizenship declarations without travelling to Washington, D.C.

Dual nationality was a central topic of discussion. Article 14 of Kenya’s Constitution permits citizens to hold more than one nationality, whether by birth, descent, or naturalisation. Children born to Kenyan parents abroad may also qualify, depending on local laws.

A formal declaration, submitted to the Director of Immigration Services, ensures that Kenyans abroad retain their rights at home while benefiting from residence in their host countries. The programme also included mentorship sessions and investment networking to equip participants with practical skills for contributing to Kenya’s economic development.

Diaspora leaders and professionals exchanged expertise, explored partnerships, and discussed ways to direct resources toward national growth. Community organisers were recognised for their contributions, strengthening a sense of identity among Kenyans living overseas.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Kerich praised the diaspora’s ongoing commitment to Kenya and reaffirmed the Embassy’s support in deepening bilateral ties. He pledged continued collaboration to harness the diaspora’s potential in advancing relations between Kenya and the United States.