What should one do if arrested in the Diaspora?
When a Kenyan National is arrested abroad, the host government is obligated to inform Kenya Embassy/High Commission/Consulate (Mission) within its jurisdiction of the arrest.
The Kenyan citizen may also inform or insist that the nearest Kenyan Mission is informed of his/her arrest.
Once information is received, the Kenyan Mission will take all the necessary measures to ascertain the reasons for the arrest from the authorities of the host country.
The mission will provide all the consular services that maybe required by the Kenyan and ensure that he/she gets a fair treatment and his/her rights are not violated.
The Mission will also inform the Ministry Headquarters and also contact the family member of the arrested Kenyan. If a legal representation is required, the Mission will coordinate in liaison with the Ministry and the family.
2. How can the Ministry assist with international student exchanges?
As part of diplomatic engagement with other countries and partners, the Ministry negotiates for international scholarships which are extended to Kenyans to undertake undergraduate, masters and PHD degrees.
These scholarships are processed by the Ministry of Education in liaison with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to negotiate and secure the scholarships from the foreign government and institutions.
3. What does the Ministry do during international crises (e.g., evacuations)?
In event of international crises such as wars, pandemic and other natural disaster, the missions abroad will immediately commence necessary action including evacuation processes.
Kenyans are always encouraged to register with the nearest Kenyan Mission in the country of their residence.
Where there is no such Mission, they are encouraged to register with the Kenyan Embassy accredited to the country in which they reside.
Additionally, Kenya has appointed Honorary Consul in many countries where we lack diplomatic representation.
Where none of these options are available-which is rare- they can contact Embassy/High Commission of any East African Community Member State.
In the absence of such a Mission, they may register with the British or any other friendly nation’s Mission. By doing so it becomes easy for the Government to provide every necessary assistance in case of crisis.
It’s also worth noting that the Government of Kenya has put in place a multisectoral evacuation strategy in case of international disasters.
4. What are the benefits and processes for dual citizenship in Kenya?
According to the Kenya Constitution, 2010 and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, the Dual Citizenship is permissible in Kenya. Kenya citizens who have acquired other nationalities are required to disclose their other citizenship within 3 months of becoming a dual citizen. A dual citizen holder enjoys all the benefits that other Kenyans enjoy in all aspects. For further information you may contact the Directorate of Immigration Services or visit https://immigration.go.ke › dual citizenship.
5. How can Kenyans access embassy services globally?
Kenya has wide diplomatic footprints across the globe. Currently there are 68 diplomatic missions globally. All Kenya Missions are accessible online on phones and social media.
The staff in the Missions are under obligation under the Service Charter to be accessible and to provide prompt services to Kenyan nationals and visitors.
The following consular services are available in the Missions:
⮚ Registration of Kenyans;
⮚ Processing of Personal Documents:
- National Identity Cards
- Birth and Death Certificates
- Marriage Certificate
- Certificate of no Impediment to Marriage
- Certificate of Good Conduct
- National Driving License
- Emergency travel documents
- Passports
⮚ Regaining and Renunciation of Citizenship or Dual Citizenship
⮚ Authentication of documents
⮚ Burial/Cremation/Repatriation of a deceased Kenyan
⮚ Support to Kenyans in distress
It’s important to note that these services can be accessed online through E- citizen.
6. How does the Foreign Service Academy contribute to Kenya’s diplomacy?
The main objective of establishing the Foreign Service Academy is to:
⮚ Strengthen the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs’ Human Resource and institutional capacities on policy, research, analysis and monitoring the efficacy of Kenya’s Foreign Policy.
⮚ To respond to the ever-changing diplomatic landscape and offer targeted trainings that promote effective and innovative practices for high-quality teaching and learning in all aspects of diplomacy.
⮚ To deliver superior training, research and advisory services in the contemporary diplomacy, the Academy will continue promoting mutual beneficial and synergetic partnerships with relevant institutions both governmental and non-governmental.
⮚ Support the Ministry on professional development of the staff through training and enhancement of knowledge and skills in Diplomacy for effective representation.
7. How can Kenyans tap into international job markets through the Ministry?
Kenya boasts of highly skilled and vibrant workforce. The Government recognizes the potential benefits of facilitating the overseas employment of Kenyan citizens, harnessing opportunities for economic advancement, skills developments, and international exposure.
The government is committed to facilitating skills development for targeted foreign labour markets to increase employability and competitiveness of Kenyan workforce.
The government will continue to implement policies and initiatives to facilitate the recruitment and secure job placement of Kenyan in regional, continental and international organizations.
The Ministry is also instrumental in the negotiations for Bilateral Labour Agreements.
The Ministry lobbies for Kenyan candidatures to secure jobs in regional, continental and international organisations.
