Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu and Armenia's High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on diaspora cooperation aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. State department for diaspora affairs Kenya /X

By ABDIMALIK ADOW

First-of-its-kind agreement seeks to strengthen diaspora engagement and deepen ties between Kenya and Armenia

The agreement was signed in Nairobi by Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu and Armenia’s High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Zareh Sinanyan.

According to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the agreement is the first of its kind between Kenya and Armenia and establishes a framework for collaboration on diaspora engagement, cultural exchange, youth cooperation, knowledge sharing and joint awareness initiatives.

In a statement, the department said the MoU “marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and deepening engagement between Kenya and Armenia through their respective diaspora communities.”

Under the agreement, both countries will work together to enhance diaspora consultation and cooperation, promote shared values abroad, facilitate knowledge exchange and support cultural heritage initiatives.

A joint committee will also be established to oversee implementation, monitor progress and identify new areas of collaboration.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, officials from countries emphasised the role of diaspora communities as strategic partners in national development, economic growth, innovation and people-to-people relations.

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs noted that the agreement aligns with Kenya’s efforts to advance diaspora diplomacy under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the country’s broader foreign policy objectives.

The department said the diaspora remains a key partner in promoting cultural exchange, economic collaboration and stronger international ties.

The signing comes months after Kenya and Armenia held their inaugural political consultations aimed at expanding cooperation in areas including education, technology, agriculture, healthcare and trade, reflecting growing diplomatic relations between the two nations. The Star