August 15, 2023 (MACHAKOS, Kenya): The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and International organization for Migration, has launched Kenya’s Consultation Forum on National Coordination Mechanism for Migration
The main objective of the three-day meeting is to provide a platform for an all-inclusive, open, and comprehensive conversation on the national migration priorities, as well as mechanisms to ensure coherent and effective migration discourse in the country.
Speaking on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu and Director for Health and Social Development Division, Madam Fathia Alwan, Dr. Fatum Adan, IGAD Head of Mission to Republic of Kenya highlighted that Migratory movements in and out of the IDAD region are diverse and significant in volume.
In addition, she described that the flows of people in, between and from countries in the region can best be characterized as mixed migration flows1. Forced2 migrants, including asylum seekers and refugees, and voluntary economic migrants3 move within the region as well as beyond for a variety of different factors, including conflicts as well as socio-economic conditions in their respective countries of origin. Countries in the region are also simultaneously origin, transit and destination for migrants and refugees, who are increasingly using the same routes.
In his opening remarks, on behalf of the principal secretary of Immigration and Citizen Services, Amb. Prof. Julis Bitok, Mr Serser Chalulei Senior Deputy Secretary Administration, underlined that in Kenya, migration contributes to economic growth and developments through labour, remittances, entrepreneurship, skills, innovations, capital transfers, investments, foreign exchange, diversity and integration.
“I believe, enactment of National Coordination Mechanism into law will further enhance coherence, linkages, accountability, harmony and coordination of migration governance both at national, regional and international levels.” He stressed.
Dr Dan Opon, Director of Immigration Service said that the government of Kenya has enjoyed the support of various international partners.
Moreover, the Director expressed his appreciation to IGAD, IOM and GIZ for their continued constructive engagements with National Coordination Mechanism and governments Ministries, Departments and agencies.
Ms. Silke Hampson, GIZ Regional Coordinator for Kenya and Somalia, disclosed that in Kenya National Coordination Mechanism had many achievements over the past years and is generally regarded as a best practice example in the region.
“We are committed to continuing our support under BMM, which currently continues until 2025 with funding from EU and Germany. “She vowed.
Ms. Sofia Karim, Deputy Regional Program Manager, IOM-UN Migration, on her part, appreciated the government of Kenya for showcasing exemplary efforts and commitments on Migration governance including by becoming a champion country for the Global Compact for safe.
“IOM commits to continue to support the National Coordination Mechanism in meeting its agenda of strengthening migration governance in the country and contributing towards Global Compact for Migration implementation.”
Ms. Josephine Ouko, County Commissioner of Machakos also gave her welcoming remarks.
The consultation Forum brought together National Coordination Mechanism Secretariat and Stakeholders; County migration focal persons, Regional Implementing Partners as well as international partners.
The meeting is expected to review the 2023-2026 National Coordination Mechanism priorities to realize a coherent migration governance agenda aligned with the national realities.
The meeting was informed that, the Government of Kenya, with the support from IOM and IGAD, established National Coordination Mechanisms on Migration in 2016.
o Adoption of GCM Implementation Plan 2023-2026 and its M&E framework
o Adoption of thematic groups meeting on Migration Data outcome documents
o Reconstitution of the migration technical working groups-
o In-depth review the 2023-2026 NCM priorities to realize a coherent migration governance agenda aligned with the national realities.
o Incorporation of critical inputs on the Draft NCM Bill and Migration Policy-
o Discussion towards the improvement on migration and displacement data which is critical towards evidence-based decision making.
