The United Nations, in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and various partners, has unveiled a transformative USD 28.5 million (Ksh3.7 billion) Joint Programme (JP) on Migration, Mobility, and Regional Integration. This initiative, launched in December 2024, aims to strengthen migration governance and enhance social cohesion in Kenya while fostering regional integration.
Spanning December 2024 to June 2026, the programme is aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 development blueprint and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It focuses on capacity building, policy advocacy, and active community participation, with the overarching goal of addressing the complex dynamics of migration in Kenya and the region.
The initiative is co-chaired by Kenya’s State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It also benefits from the active participation of other United Nations agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and UN Women.
Strategic Objectives and Focus Areas
Kenya’s unique position as a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants underscores the importance of this programme. Currently, Kenya hosts over one million migrants and more than half a million registered refugees. Migration is a significant factor in the country’s socioeconomic landscape, influencing the government’s Medium-Term Plan (MTP) 2023–2027.
The Joint Programme adopts a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach, involving state and non-state actors, civil society organizations, the private sector, and local communities. This inclusive framework aims to strengthen governance structures and improve service delivery in regions impacted by migration.
Key objectives of the programme include:
- Capacity Building: Equipping government and community stakeholders with the skills and tools needed to manage migration effectively.
- Policy Advocacy: Developing and promoting policies that address migration challenges and opportunities in alignment with Kenya’s development goals.
- Community Participation: Engaging migrants and host communities to promote social cohesion and inclusive development.
Addressing Migration Challenges
Kenya’s migration dynamics are multifaceted, encompassing economic migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons. As a regional hub, the country faces challenges such as irregular migration, human trafficking, and strained resources in host communities. The Joint Programme aims to address these issues by fostering cooperation and leveraging migration as a driver of development.
The programme will also align its efforts with regional and international frameworks, such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Global Compact for Migration. By doing so, it seeks to position Kenya as a leader in migration governance in the region.
Enhancing Regional Integration
Regional integration is a core focus of the programme, recognizing that migration transcends borders. The initiative aims to strengthen partnerships with neighboring countries and regional bodies to promote cross-border cooperation and economic integration.
Through collaborative efforts, the programme seeks to unlock the developmental potential of migration, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. This includes leveraging remittances, fostering innovation, and addressing labor market needs.
Empowering Communities
At the heart of the programme is the commitment to empower communities affected by migration. By engaging local populations and civil society organizations, the initiative aims to build trust and promote mutual understanding between migrants and host communities.
Community-driven interventions will focus on improving access to essential services, fostering livelihoods, and enhancing social cohesion. These efforts are expected to create a more inclusive and harmonious society, benefiting both migrants and host populations.
A Step Towards Sustainable Development
The launch of the Joint Programme marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to integrate migration into its development agenda. By addressing migration challenges holistically and promoting regional cooperation, the initiative aims to contribute to sustainable development and social stability.
As Kenya takes on a pivotal role in regional migration dynamics, the Joint Programme offers a strategic framework for harnessing the opportunities migration presents while addressing its associated challenges. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international partnerships in achieving shared goals and fostering a brighter future for all.
