By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 24 December 2025 - As Kenyans around the world mark the Christmas and New Year festivities, two of the country’s senior diplomats in the Middle East and Europe used the occasion to reaffirm the importance of national unity and the growing role of the diaspora in advancing Kenya’s global standing.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Egypt, Jordan, and Eritrea, Amb Fred Outa, described the festive season as a moment of reflection on the values that underpin the Republic.
Speaking in a goodwill message to Kenyans living across North Africa and the Middle East, Ambassador Outa emphasised resilience and unity as defining pillars of the nation’s journey.
“This season reminds us of the resilience and unity that built our nation and calls upon us to uphold the values that continue to guide our Republic,” Amb Outa said.
He noted that Kenyans abroad continue to play a critical role as informal ambassadors, shaping perceptions of the country through their work, conduct, and engagement in host nations.
Amb Outa praised the diaspora for strengthening Kenya’s image and partnerships abroad, adding that their contributions directly support national development.
“Our diaspora community has continued to make Kenya proud by contributing to progress and building bridges between Kenya and our host countries,” he said, while reaffirming his commitment to serving Kenyans under his accreditation.
Similarly, Kenya’s Ambassador to Italy, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, Amb Fredrick Matwanga, echoed the call for unity and deeper collaboration with Kenyans living in Europe.
Amb Matwanga highlighted the strategic importance of the European region to Kenya’s economic and diplomatic interests, particularly in trade, tourism, labour mobility, and multilateral cooperation.
“The Kenyan diaspora in Europe plays a vital role in projecting our nation’s values and expanding opportunities for cooperation,” Amb Matwanga said.
He noted that remittances, skills transfer, and professional networks established by Kenyans abroad continue to make a measurable impact on the country’s economy and international profile.
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Both envoys underscored that the festive season goes beyond celebration, serving as an opportunity to strengthen ties between Kenya and its citizens abroad.
Matwanga emphasised that Kenyan missions remain open and responsive to the needs of the diaspora, particularly in consular services and engagement platforms.
“As representatives of Kenya, our responsibility is to ensure that Kenyans abroad feel supported and connected to home,” he said, adding that missions will continue working closely with host governments to enhance cooperation and safeguard the welfare of Kenyan citizens.
The messages come at a time when Kenya has placed renewed focus on diaspora diplomacy, recognising overseas citizens as key partners in economic growth, cultural exchange, and foreign policy objectives.
According to government data, diaspora remittances remain one of the country’s leading sources of foreign exchange, underscoring the community’s growing influence.
As the New Year 2026 envelopes, both ambassadors expressed optimism and goodwill.
Ambassador Outa wished Kenyans “a joyful, peaceful, and reflective festive season,” while Ambassador Matwanga echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope for a prosperous year marked by stronger partnerships and shared progress.
Together, the messages of Outa and Matwanga reflect a broader diplomatic narrative: that Kenya’s strength at home is closely linked to the unity, resilience, and contribution of its people abroad.
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