Establishment of a Social Welfare System for Kenyans living in the Diaspora

The Kenya Kwanza government promised to establish a social welfare system for Kenyans living in the diaspora.

• As of 2025, the Kenya Kwanza government has formalized its commitment to a social welfare system for the diaspora, centered on the newly launched Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024 and supported by an expanded State Department for Diaspora Affairs. This has resulted in tangible progress, including enhanced consular services, 24/7 support lines, and partnerships with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to enable voluntary contributions via a new digital portal.
• However, implementing a robust social welfare system faces multiple challenges, including weak institutional capacity, a lack of awareness among many Kenyans abroad, and the high cost of delivering comprehensive services across different countries. The system also needs to address barriers like underdeveloped frameworks for social security portability and effective reintegration mechanisms for returning citizens.