Monday, October 5, 2026(MOMBASA)__The State Department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA) has received national recognition for strengthening citizen-centred digital services for Kenyans living abroad, emerging as first runner-up in the State Department of the Year for Digital Innovation category at the Digital Transformation Public Sector Forum and Awards 2026 in Mombasa County.
The Department also attained second runner-up in the Collaborative Government Initiative category for its Diaspora Integrated Information Management System (DIIMS), a platform designed to improve access to government services, information and emergency support for Kenyans in the diaspora.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Ms. Roseline K. Njogu was represented at the awards forum by Dr. John Masika, Director in charge of the ICT Department.
The recognition underscores the Department’s ongoing investment in digital solutions that make diaspora services more accessible, efficient and responsive. DIIMS has been integrated with the eCitizen platform and enables Kenyans abroad to access key services digitally, including individual and association registration, distress assistance requests, reporting of missing persons and deaths, counseling support, crisis mapping and remittance-related services.
The forum, which was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Hon. William Kabogo, provided a platform for public institutions, technology partners and development stakeholders to reflect on Kenya’s digital-transformation journey under the theme, Advancing Digital Government, Enhancing Service Delivery.
Dr. Masika said the awards affirm the efforts of SDDA officers, under the leadership of Ms. Njogu, to leverage technology in bringing government closer to Kenyans abroad. He noted that digital platforms are central to timely communication, case management, service delivery and crisis response for citizens who may be far from Kenyan diplomatic missions.
Through DIIMS, the Department is strengthening the Government’s capacity to receive and respond to diaspora welfare concerns while providing a single, more accessible digital channel for engagement with Kenyan citizens, diaspora associations and relevant institutions. The system complements the Department’s wider effort to modernize diaspora service delivery and strengthen the connection between Kenya and its global citizens.
Also in attendance were Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Steve Isaboke, ICT Authority CEO-Jessy Kiveu Maruti, Technopolis Development Authority CEO-John Okwiri and Greydale Africa CEO-Lavinniah Muthoni Mwongera.