The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has developed a comprehensive Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) Implementation plan that will address the complexities of Migration in the country and African region.
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration document 2023-2025 which is in the process of review and validation by stakeholders, will be presented at the International Migration Review Forum in May 2026 in New York.
Principal Secretary (PS) for Immigration and Citizen Services Belio Kipsang, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to the GCM global agenda, said Kenya has played a crucial role in the development of the GCM by strengthening and leading the way in migration governance.
“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,” said Belio.
The Global Compact for Migration was endorsed in 2018 in Marrakech, Morocco, due to recognition that migration is a global phenomenon that requires collective action and shared responsibility to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration for all.
He said the 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.
The PS made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Director, Administration, in the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, Mr Serser Chelulei, during the National Consultative Workshop on the Voluntary Progress Report of the Global Compact for Safe Orderly and Regular Migration, Kenya, held at a Nairobi hotel.
Dr Belio further noted that the document which outlines Kenya’s strategies and actions to address the complexities of migration in the region will also enhance data collection, improve the protection of the vulnerable migrants, and strengthen the legal framework to address human trafficking and smuggling in the country.
The PS also acknowledged the crucial role played by the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) in ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged and the country’s efforts are aligned in the migration governance structure, thereby creating a holistic approach to migration management.
He the same time, noted that for the country to fully achieve its objectives, there must be collaboration with various stakeholders, among them civil society, the private sector, the international organisations, academia, faith-based organisations and government agencies.
Regarding the realisation of the GCM set-out goals, PS urged NCM to seek innovative financing mechanisms, engage with international partners, and mobilise domestic resources to support their initiatives since the activities require adequate resources.
“Migration is an integral part of our national development agenda, and investing in migration governance is investing in our future,” said Belio.
He, at the same time, expressed Kenya’s commitment to implement the 23 objectives of the voluntary Progress Report of the Global Compact for safe orderly and regular migration.
The event was also attended by IOM-Kenya Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Programmes Mr. Faisal Sharif and the Director of Immigration Services and Head of National Coordination Mechanism on Migration Secretariat Dr Dan Opon, among others.
By Bernadette Khaduli
