Tuesday, October 13, 2026(KISUMU)__The State Department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA), led by Amb. Hellen Gichuhi, MBS, Secretary for Welfare and Partnerships, today took the Diaspora Mashinani sensitization programme to Kisumu County, bringing information on labour mobility, diaspora engagement and the welfare and protection of Kenyans abroad closer to residents of the lakeside city.
The SDDA team held a public baraza at the Seme NG-CDF Multipurpose Hall in Kombewa, where residents were sensitized on available labour mobility opportunities, safe migration pathways, diaspora welfare services, and the Department’s role in supporting Kenyans seeking employment abroad.
The interactive session provided residents with an opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification and engage directly with officials on matters relating to overseas employment and diaspora welfare. Discussions also underscored the importance of ethical and orderly labour mobility in protecting prospective migrant workers from exploitation, human trafficking, misinformation and the risks associated with irregular migration.
The Seme engagement forms part of SDDA’s ongoing efforts to bring diaspora services and information closer to communities across the country, while promoting the rights, dignity and welfare of Kenyans participating in the global labour market.
The forum also highlighted the importance of collaboration between SDDA and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) in ensuring that information on safe labour mobility and diaspora services reaches residents through established government structures.
Also present at the forum were representatives of the County Government, National Government Administration Officers and village administrators.
Earlier, Amb. Gichuhi was hosted at Sky FM, where she unpacked the #DiasporaMashinani initiative and outlined the State Department’s mandate, programmes and initiatives. The team later paid a courtesy call on the Nyanza Regional Commissioner, Mr. Onesmus M. Kyatha, MBS, ahead of the sensitization activities in the region.
The discussions highlighted the importance of equipping young people with accurate information on safe, orderly and regular labour migration, available employment opportunities abroad, and the risks of fraudulent recruitment agencies. The team also briefed the Regional Commissioner on the Diaspora Placement Agency, diaspora investment, remittances and the Government’s efforts to promote access to legitimate overseas employment opportunities.
The team also paid a courtesy call to the Kisumu County Commissioner, Mr. Mohamed Mwabudzo, at his office.