Sh66m funding deficit stalls diaspora agency since 2023

The Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, has urged the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations to prioritize the operationalization of the Diaspora Placement Agency.

The PS appealed while presenting her department’s budget estimates for the 2025/2026 financial year before the committee chaired by Nelson Koech.

Njogu said the agency, created in 2023, was meant to help skilled Kenyans access job opportunities abroad, build their capacity, and support their migration process, but has remained non-operational due to budget constraints.

The State Department has been allocated 587.8 million shillings, against a ceiling of Sh697 million, leaving a shortfall of Sh66 million. However, Njogu told the committee that the department needs Sh1.2 billion to meet its obligations.

"Over the years our funding has kept on declining. In the year 2023/24, we received Kshs 1.31 billion, while in 2024/25 the allocation was Sh637 million. This year, we face further cuts of Sh587.8 million. We are operating with significant limitations," she said.

Njogu noted that many young Kenyans complete their education but face limited local employment options.

She said the Diaspora Placement Agency was vital to the government’s global labour market strategy and could bridge this gap.

"33% of our country’s budget goes to educating our children. However, upon completion of their education, they lack sufficient domestic opportunities. The global labour market strategy, spearheaded by the Diaspora Placement Agency, is crucial in addressing this gap," she explained.

The PS also called for the creation of Safe Houses in countries with large populations of Kenyan migrant workers, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, and the UAE.

These facilities would offer help to workers in distress.

"There are over 250,000 labour migrants who require our support. It is regrettable that despite their significant remittances to our country, we are constrained in our ability to assist them when they face difficulties abroad," she said.

Member of Parliament Memusi Kanchory backed the call, saying he had seen how Safe Houses helped migrant workers.

"Having witnessed first-hand the effectiveness of such a facility established by the Philippines in Doha, I can attest to their vital role in providing a safe haven for our citizens in times of need," he said.

Committee Chair Nelson Koech acknowledged the issues raised and encouraged continued talks with the National Treasury to secure needed funding.

"We understand the necessity of these services. It is crucial to engage with the National Treasury to emphasize the importance of these initiatives," he said.

During the session, committee members also raised concerns about possible duplication of duties between the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the Ministry of Labour.

They called for clear coordination between the two to avoid overlap and improve service delivery.