Nairobi: The Government of Kenya is actively preparing its Second Voluntary Progress Report for the period 2023-2025, focusing on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). This report is set for presentation at the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in New York, scheduled for May this year.
According to Kenya News Agency, the report aims to showcase measurable progress and identify implementation gaps and priority areas for future action. This will contribute significantly to the global stocktaking at the IMRF forum, which will be held from May 5th to 8th, 2026. Dr. Dan Opon, Director of Immigration Services and Head of the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM) Secretariat, emphasized that the report will be Kenya’s voice at the forum. Kenya, along with Luxembourg, has been appointed as co-facilitators for the event by the President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Dr. Opon highlighted Kenya’s role as a leader in migration management both in Africa and globally. The National Coordination Mechanism on Migration is coordinating the implementation of the GCM activities. The first voluntary report, submitted in 2022, has served as an important benchmark for many African countries. Speaking at the opening of the three-day Civil Society Consultative Forum in Nairobi, Dr. Opon stressed the importance of periodic appraisal and stakeholder engagement in the implementation of the compact.
He reiterated that the Global Compact on Migration encourages states to properly manage migration issues, including irregular human trafficking and smuggling. Since endorsing the GCM in 2018, Kenya has incorporated its commitments into national frameworks, including the first National Implementation Plan 2019-2022. This initiative has strengthened legal frameworks, enhanced migration data systems, and improved institutional coordination.
Building on these achievements, Kenya launched its second National Implementation Plan for 2023-2027, led by NCM. This plan aims to deepen institutional reforms, address migrant vulnerabilities, and align migration governance with Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG No. 10.7. Kenya is the first country to implement the National Implementation of the Global Compact 2023-2027, serving as a model for other African countries.
Dr. Opon acknowledged the critical role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the review and validation process of the report. These organisations provide essential services to migrants, advocate for migrant rights, conduct research, and ensure the voices of migrants and host communities are heard. He noted that CSOs often act as first responders to challenges faced by migrants, including vulnerable groups.
The workshop builds on the outcomes of a multi-stakeholder dialogue held in February, where progress on implementing the 23 objectives of the Global Compact was discussed. Dr. Opon urged the Civil Society Organizations to provide additional insights to refine the national report, identifying key challenges and opportunities for future actions.
Ms. Nomagugu Ncube, Chief of Mission at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Kenya, commended Kenya’s progress in migration governance frameworks and diaspora engagement. She emphasized addressing protection risks for migrant workers abroad, irregular immigration, misinformation, climate mobility, and access to services for vulnerable migrants. Ncube called for inclusive representation of vulnerable populations and acknowledgment of civil society contributions in the report.
The workshop, organised by the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration through the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, was supported by the International Organisation for Migration.
