Nairobi — The United Nations in Kenya, in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and various partners, has launched the first USD 28.5 Million Joint Programme (JP) on Migration, Mobility, and Regional Integration. Running from December 2024 to June 2026, the programme aims to support Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on capacity building, policy advocacy and community participation to enhance social cohesion and regional integration.

The Joint Programme is a strategic collaboration between the United Nations and the Government of Kenya. The Programme is co-chaired by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with active participation from several UN agencies, including FAO, ILO, UNHCR, and UN Women. This comprehensive initiative seeks to improve governance, strengthen service delivery, and empower communities affected by migration.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the programme, the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Stephen Jackson, remarked, “Migration and mobility are not just challenges to address but opportunities to embrace. This Joint Programme highlights our commitment to harnessing the potential of migration to drive economic growth, promote social justice, and build a more inclusive and peaceful future for all.”

During the launch, Amb. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, representative emphasised the importance of collaboration: “The adoption of a whole of government and whole of society approach in developing this programme shows the Government commitment in mainstreaming migration into national and county development plans, to address the challenges and harness the opportunities of Migration.”

Sharon Dimanche, Chief of Mission for IOM Kenya, also underlined the critical role of partnerships in advancing this agenda: “Today’s event is not just a launch; it is a testament to our collective efforts and commitment to address migration in a way that supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 and aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. 

The JP adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, engaging state and non-state actors, including civil society organisations, the private sector, and local communities. Through its focus on capacity building, policy advocacy, and community participation, the programme is designed to address the multifaceted nature of migration in Kenya while promoting regional integration and social cohesion.

Kenya, home to over one million migrants and more than half a million registered refugees, is a key player in regional migration dynamics. As a country of origin, transit, and destination, migration significantly influences Kenya’s 5-year Medium-Term Plan (MTP) 2023-2027. This Joint Programme provides a timely and strategic complement to the Government of Kenya’s efforts to integrate migration across sectors and unlock its developmental potential.

For further details, please contact:
Cynthia Meru at cmeru@iom.int; +25478124284