Wednesday, November 5, 2025(Doha, Qatar)__The Government of Kenya is implementing a multi-layered, whole-of-government strategy to safeguard its citizens working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Speaking at the Second World Summit on Social Development in Doha, Qatar, Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roseline K. Njogu,CBS, detailed Kenya's efforts during a high-level panel discussion focused on the protection of migrant workers themed- Extending Social Protection to Migrant Workers and their Families in the South-East Asia-Gulf Corridor .
The session brought together key players from sending and host countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Oman, to share solutions and reinforce global commitments.
PS Njogu outlined the cornerstone of Kenya's approach including robust policy frameworks like the Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024 among others, designed to create a structured and ethical system for labour migration.
Beyond domestic policy, the PS emphasized Kenya's proactive diplomatic engagement including negotiating and signing Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLAs). she stated that Kenya is pushing for enhanced BLAs which incorporate stronger, more enforceable worker protection.
The PS also added that part of the strategy involves strengthening support systems on the ground where she detailed the establishment of in-country protection mechanisms, which involve close collaboration between Kenyan embassies and diaspora associations in host nations to provide immediate assistance and advocacy for workers in distress.
PS Njogu pointed that Kenyan model also focuses on prevention through pre-departure and pre-migration preparedness. This includes training potential migrants on their rights, the terms of their employment, and the cultural landscape of their destination countries, ensuring they are well-informed before they leave home.
The PS, who has been a global champion for the diaspora social benefits portability—ensuring migrant workers can access benefits like pensions and healthcare across borders, stressed the necessity of broad partnerships to solve this, not just bilaterally, but through regional blocs like the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC), where work on a regional diaspora policy is underway.
She also cited Kenya's collaboration with international bodies like the UN and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The panel served as a platform for sharing best practices, revealing common challenges faced by migrants across Asia and Africa and how to circumnavigate the them.