Kenya has praised the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for its leadership in strengthening national and global migration governance, while urging continued support for field operations despite persistent financial constraints.
Permanent Representative Ambassador Dr. Fancy Too, delivering the statement for Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen at the 116th IOM Council Session in Geneva, highlighted how migration plays a pivotal role in driving Kenya’s socio-economic growth.
“Migration is universally acknowledged as a purposeful and positive choice for many who leave the comfort of their habitual residences in search of better opportunities. It yields significant benefits for migrants themselves as well as for both origin and destination societies,” the statement read.
Amb. Too highlighted that Kenya’s approach to migration governance is anchored in the humanitarian–peace–development nexus and supported by multiple global and regional frameworks, including the Global Compact for Migration, Agenda 2030, and AU Agenda 2063.
She noted that the country is finalising its National Migration Policy by mid-2026, which will consolidate existing commitments and strengthen Kenya’s capacity to harness migration as a development enabler.
The statement emphasised the economic significance of labour migration, calling for measures that protect migrant workers while enhancing the benefits of cross-border employment.
“Labour migration remains a major economic driver. We urge for lower remittance costs, stronger financial inclusion, and fair bilateral labour agreements to protect migrant workers,” Amb. Too said.
Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to robust institutional and legal frameworks to manage migration, including enactment and review of laws such as the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, Refugees Act 2021, and Labour Relations Act 2011.
The establishment of agencies such as the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the Directorate for Labour Migration supports these efforts.
To improve coordination, the country has set up the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM), which ensures evidence-based policy, resource mobilisation, and coherence across ministries, counties, and non-state actors.
The mechanism is also spearheading the development of Kenya’s second National Voluntary Report on Global Compact for Migration implementation ahead of the 2026 International Migration Review Forum.
Amb. Too concluded by emphasising Kenya’s collaborative approach to migration governance.
“We demonstrate that with vision, collaboration, and political leadership, migration can be transformative not only for migrants, but also for host communities,” she said, urging stronger international partnerships and predictable long-term financing to expand safe and regular migration pathways.
