A Kenyan toddler stranded in Indonesia has been reunited with his family after a successful repatriation effort led by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.

The child arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the early hours of Saturday morning, accompanied by a Diaspora Affairs officer, Ms. Grace Akello. 

He was received by officials including Ms. Felister Kebati, Ms. Shukri Sirat, and Ms. Florence Wangari.

The official handover was conducted jointly with the Children’s Officer for Mathare Constituency and a representative from the Center for Domestic Training and Development. The baby was handed over to his grandmother in the presence of his aunt.

According to the State Department, the decision to fund the repatriation was made to prevent the infant from being placed in institutional care abroad. 

Indonesian law requires that a child remain with the mother for a set period, after which the child is moved to a state facility if no family member assumes custody.

The baby’s mother remains in custody in Indonesia following a legal dispute that prompted the intervention of the Kenyan government.

Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline K Njogu, who personally supervised the case, praised the coordinated efforts that ensured the child’s safe return. 

“We are grateful to all state and non-state actors who worked tirelessly to bring the baby home,” she said.

The Ministry highlighted the case as part of its broader mandate to safeguard the welfare of Kenyans abroad, especially dependents affected by legal or humanitarian crises. 

The department reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with diplomatic missions and partners to protect the rights and dignity of Kenyans in distress overseas. By Gerald Gekara, Uzalendo  News