Osaka, Japan – June 21, 2025

The recently concluded Kenya Diaspora Dinner in Osaka brought together members of the Kenyan diaspora in Japan and high-level stakeholders from Kenya in a powerful evening of dialogue, networking, and shared vision for the future. Organized as part of the ongoing efforts to deepen Kenya–Japan relations, the dinner served as both a celebratory and strategic gathering aimed at enhancing people-to-people diplomacy and diaspora engagement.

The dinner was well-attended, with nearly every seat filled by enthusiastic participants, including students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Representing the Kenyans in Japan Association (KIJA) were Isaac Omondi (Kansai Representative), Victor Maina (Director – Finance & Welfare), Weldon Siele (Vice President), and Geoffrey Owuor (President), who also delivered remarks at the event.

The evening featured a strong Kenyan government delegation led by Cabinet Secretary for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, accompanied by Permanent Secretaries, CEOs, Directors of key parastatals, and business leaders. Also present were Members of the Kenyan Parliament and the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Investment, Cooperatives and Tourism, who are playing a central role in shaping Kenya’s global trade and investment policy. Their presence further highlighted the Government of Kenya's growing commitment to engage the diaspora as a strategic asset in global economic diplomacy.

Diaspora as a Strategic Partner

A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion dedicated to exploring the role of the diaspora in supporting Kenya’s global economic positioning. Panelists Medina Oiko, Daniel Ngari, and Dick Olang’o shared their experiences as professionals in Japan and articulated how diaspora skills, insights, and networks can bolster Kenya’s trade and innovation agenda.

Speaking during the event, President of KIJA Geoffrey Owuor called for intentional and sustained diaspora engagement, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the diaspora as an active stakeholder in Kenya’s international development and marketing strategy.

“The diaspora has proven capacity to complement national efforts, especially in promoting Kenya’s value proposition in foreign markets. What we now need is a deliberate framework of engagement that connects government, industry, and diaspora expertise,” Geoffrey Owuor remarked.

Looking Ahead

The Kenya Diaspora Dinner in Osaka was not only a cultural celebration but also a strategic signal of the potential for more structured collaboration between Kenyan institutions and the diaspora in Japan. Many attendees expressed hope that the dinner would evolve into a regular platform for dialogue, connecting diaspora professionals with visiting delegations, trade actors, and policymakers.

KIJA extends its sincere appreciation to the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) and all organizing partners for their dedication in making this event a success, and for their recognition of the role the diaspora can play in Kenya’s development.

A special thank you goes to the Kenyans from Kansai and other regions who turned out in large numbers and represented the community with pride and unity.