Interaction with the Delegation from Kenya

On 13th November, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) hosted an interaction with the delegation from Kenya led by Ms. Roseline K. Njogu, Principal Secretary, State Department for Diaspora Affairs. Other members of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs participating in the discussion were, Mr Boniface K Munzala, Director, Investments and Remittances, Ms Emma Gicheha, Director, Welfare & Rights, Mr William Maundu, Senior Economist, Third Secretaries-Mr Meisashi Ledama, Mr Philip Opwora, Ms Shukri Abdi Sirat along with the Kenya High Commissioner, Mr. Peter Munyiri were also a part of the delegation. The interaction was also attended by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director (VIF), Lt. General R K Sawhney (Retd.), Ms. Ruchita Beri, Dr. J. R Bhatt, Mr. Aditya Ghosh, Director – International (Africa), Confederation of Indian Industry, and other researchers from the VIF.

The discussion highlighted the deep-rooted historical connections that characterize India-Kenya Diaspora relations. The delegation spoke about the Kenyan government’s deep commitment to the diaspora that culminated in the establishment of a full-fledged ministry in 2022 and shared detailed information about its mandate. They also expressed a keen interest in learning about India’s spectacular diaspora engagement. The Government of India especially under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, views the Indian diaspora as a cultural asset and a source of pride and strength for India. The Government of India has taken significant steps to engage with the Indian diaspora. The annual Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas and the provision of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards are significant initiatives in this direction. Such efforts boost socio-cultural and economic ties, and also strengthen the diaspora's engagement with the country. The discussion emphasized that Kenya could adopt similar initiatives to enhance ties with its global diaspora. The interaction also concluded with an emphasis for an enhanced cooperation between VIF and think tanks in Kenya.