Kenya Launches Digital Portal to Support Citizens Living Abroad
Kenya has launched a unified digital portal enabling citizens living abroad to access key government services online through the Diaspora Integrated Information Management System (DIIMS) on the eCitizen platform.
The system, introduced by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, brings together essential services in a single online portal. DIIMS allows Kenyans abroad to register individually or as diaspora associations, report missing persons and deaths, and access crisis mapping tools. It also enables users to submit distress alerts in cases of abuse, overwork or unsafe conditions.
The government says the platform is intended to improve response times and address concerns about delayed assistance from diplomatic missions. Alongside the portal, authorities have set up a 24-hour diaspora response centre to manage emergencies, including medical situations, arrests and lost travel documents. The centre can be contacted by phone, WhatsApp or email, providing several channels for urgent support.
The launch coincides with the Kazi Majuu programme, which aims to expand regulated employment opportunities for Kenyans overseas in countries such as Germany, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Kingdom. Overseas employment for Kenyans has largely consisted of temporary domestic work.
The programme seeks to create opportunities for skilled professionals and broaden access to other sectors. Officials state that diversifying employment pathways will help reduce exposure to human trafficking and exploitative labour practices.
The integration of diaspora services into eCitizen forms part of wider efforts to modernise Kenya’s digital public services.
