Government Moves to Create Diaspora Welfare Fund for Kenyans Overseas

Kenya plans to establish a welfare fund to support citizens living abroad, with the government working on legislation to provide structured assistance, including emergency support and repatriation services.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi announced the proposal during a meeting with Kenyans at the Embassy in Seoul. He said the fund would operate alongside a Diaspora Bond framework aimed at mobilising savings from Kenyans overseas for national development projects.

According to Mudavadi, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is working with Parliament to develop legislation that would formalise the use of public funds for diaspora welfare programmes. He said the process must ensure accountability and fairness, particularly because taxpayer resources would be involved.

A key issue under consideration is eligibility for assistance. Mudavadi said policymakers must determine whether public funds should be used to support citizens facing legal difficulties abroad, including those linked to offences such as drug trafficking or human trafficking. He noted that these policy and ethical questions would need to be resolved before the fund becomes operational.

The government is also expanding consular services and strengthening engagement with diaspora communities through its diplomatic missions. Mudavadi urged Kenyans living abroad to comply with the laws of their host countries, saying this would help reduce cases requiring government intervention.

At the same time, the government has intensified efforts against illegal labour recruitment. More than 700 rogue recruitment agencies have been shut down, and new legislation is being prepared to introduce tougher penalties, including prison sentences, for offenders. Authorities also plan to gazette licensed recruitment firms to help job seekers identify legitimate employment opportunities abroad.

Labour migration remains a priority for the government, which is pursuing bilateral agreements to expand employment opportunities and improve protections for Kenyan workers overseas. Discussions in Seoul also covered diaspora investment, skills transfer, participation in the 2027 General Election and opportunities linked to the proposed Diaspora Bond.

Mudavadi praised Kenyans living in South Korea for their discipline and commitment to the country, describing them as important representatives of Kenya abroad. His visit took place ahead of the Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting, where Kenya is expected to strengthen cooperation with South Korea in sectors including ICT, education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, energy, maritime affairs and climate resilience.

Talks with South Korea’s Foreign Affairs Minister also focused on trade, technology transfer and investment opportunities, building on more than 60 years of diplomatic relations. If implemented, the diaspora welfare fund would represent a significant development in Kenya’s engagement with its citizens abroad.