PS Roseline Njogu Defends Diaspora Affairs Budget as State Department Earns Clean Audit for Two Straight Years

 Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu has defended the State Department's financial management before the National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC), highlighting two consecutive unqualified audit opinions and outlining key achievements, including the successful evacuation of hundreds of Kenyans stranded abroad.

Appearing before the PAC, chaired by Members of Parliament, PS Njogu presented an overview of the State Department's activities for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years, noting that the department received unqualified audit reports for both periods—an indication of sound financial management, transparency, and accountability in the use of public resources.

The Principal Secretary told the committee that the clean audit outcomes reflect the department's commitment to prudent management of public funds while delivering essential services to Kenyans living and working abroad.

Among the major highlights of her presentation was the State Department's response to emergencies involving Kenyans overseas. PS Njogu briefed legislators on evacuation operations undertaken during the two financial years, including the most recent exercise in South Africa, where 472 Kenyans were safely repatriated following a coordinated government intervention.

She emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting the welfare and safety of Kenyans in the diaspora, especially during times of crisis, through timely consular support and emergency response mechanisms.

The Principal Secretary also updated the committee on the State Department's strategic programmes and priorities for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 financial years. She said the department will continue strengthening diaspora engagement, expanding consular services, enhancing the protection of Kenyan migrant workers, and promoting diaspora investment as a key contributor to national development.

Members of the committee were also briefed on ongoing initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening collaboration with Kenyan missions abroad to better serve citizens living outside the country.

PS Njogu was accompanied by senior management officials from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs during the session, where they responded to questions from lawmakers regarding the department's operations, expenditure, and future plans.

The appearance before the PAC comes as the government intensifies efforts to strengthen engagement with the Kenyan diaspora, whose remittances continue to play a vital role in supporting households and contributing significantly to the country's economy.