Kenya State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of migrants through the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
Speaking on the initiative, Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, said Kenya is currently reviewing its Global Compact for Migration Implementation Plan (2023–2025) with stakeholders. The plan will guide the country’s migration governance framework and is expected to be presented at the International Migration Review Forum 2026 in New York this May.
Kipsang emphasised that Kenya’s commitment to migrant protection is firmly anchored in national policy and legislation.
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“Our commitment is not merely theoretical; it is rooted in our national policies and legislative frameworks that uphold the rights of migrants and promote their integration into society,” he said.
According to him, the implementation plan aims to strengthen migration governance by improving migration data collection systems, enhancing protection for vulnerable migrants, and reinforcing legal frameworks to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Kipsang noted that migration should be viewed beyond policy discussions, stressing its direct impact on human lives and livelihoods.
“Migration is not just an issue of policy but a matter of human livelihood, dignity and respect for the rights of individuals, since it transcends borders and affects millions of lives,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in managing migration effectively.
“Migration governance requires collaboration among government agencies, civil society, the private sector, international organisations, and other stakeholders,” Kipsang added.
Reaffirming Kenya’s long-term approach, the Principal Secretary said migration remains a key component of the country’s development agenda and reiterated Kenya’s commitment to implementing the 23 objectives of the Global Compact for Migration.
