On Wednesday, 28th May 2025, the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies (DDIS) at the University of Nairobi hosted a hybrid panel discussion to celebrate 60 years of U.S.–Kenya Diaspora Relations. The event, themed “Bridging Nations, Enhancing Mutual Growth and Development,” was held on the 4th floor of the UoN Towers and was organized by the Africa Center for the Study of the U.S. (ACSUS).

The discussion formed part of an ongoing ACSUS program supported by the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy. It aimed to raise awareness and enhance understanding of the strong bilateral ties between the United States and Kenya, while also exploring future opportunities for collaboration in critical areas such as trade, investment, security, governance, and health.

The event featured four moderated panel discussions, with distinguished speakers including Roseline K. Njogu, CBS, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Diaspora Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya; Professor Noah O. Midamba, Chairperson of Moi University Council, Senior Associate at the Global Centre for Policy and Strategy, and former Vice Chancellor of KCS University; and Lumas Kendrick Jr., an electric utility and renewable energy consultant and member of the African American diaspora community in Kenya. The discussion was moderated by Michael Tsimangi, a producer and reporter at Chams Media and co-host of the television show Daring Abroad.

Panelists addressed several key themes. First, they discussed how Kenyan diaspora communities in the United States and American communities in Kenya have contributed to strengthening bilateral economic ties through investment, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange. Several success stories and scalable models were shared, demonstrating the positive impact of diaspora-driven development.

The discussion also explored the opportunities and challenges faced by diaspora communities. Panelists highlighted barriers such as limited access to resources, regulatory hurdles, and insufficient institutional support. They emphasized the need for governments, institutions, and the private sector to work together to create enabling environments that can fully unlock the potential of diaspora engagement.

Another important theme was the role of diaspora communities as cultural bridges. Panelists discussed how people-to-people diplomacy fosters deeper cultural understanding, social cohesion, and a shared identity between the two nations. They highlighted educational exchanges, community programs, and cultural initiatives that have successfully brought Americans and Kenyans closer together.

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Maluki, Chair of the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies, expressed pride in hosting the event, stating that the department is committed to training future diplomats and scholars to navigate the very dynamics being celebrated. He thanked the speakers, partners, and participants for their role in making the event a success.

Professor Jack Odhiambo, Dean of the Faculty, noted that the seminar should inspire deeper engagement, scholarly insight, and a renewed commitment to strengthening Kenya–U.S. relations through the diaspora lens. He emphasized that the panel reminded everyone of the power of cultural and academic exchange to build more inclusive and collaborative futures, and that beyond marking 60 years of partnership, the event should encourage participants to look forward and build on past achievements for even greater impact.

The celebration of 60 years of U.S.–Kenya Diaspora Relations is not only a reflection on past achievements but also a call to action. It is an invitation to deepen the partnership through continued collaboration, mutual respect, and the active involvement of diaspora communities in shaping future progress. The Department of Diplomacy and International Studies, together with the Africa Center for the Study of the U.S., expressed their gratitude to all speakers, partners, and attendees for their participation. It is their hope that the dialogue and ideas shared during the event will inspire lasting connections and contribute to a stronger, more dynamic relationship between Kenya and the United States for years to come.