Mudavadi outlines govt’s 2027 election plans to Kenyans in South Korea
By Faith Lagat, May 31, 2026Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has engaged members of the Kenyan community in South Korea, outlining government plans to strengthen diaspora participation in national development, including involvement in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during the first day of his official visit to South Korea on May 31, 2026, Mudavadi met Kenyans living in Seoul at the Kenyan Embassy, where discussions focused on welfare, labour mobility, skills transfer, investment opportunities, and the role of the diaspora in supporting Kenya’s economy.
The meeting was led by community president Wycliffe Francis Otieno and brought together members of the Kenyan diaspora working and studying in South Korea.
Mudavadi said the government remains committed to strengthening engagement between Kenyans abroad, diplomatic missions, and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
“We also discussed participation in the upcoming 2027 general elections, the proposed diaspora bond framework, and ongoing government efforts to strengthen engagement between the diaspora, our missions abroad, and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs,” Mudavadi stated.
Diaspora investment and bilateral cooperation
The discussions also touched on economic opportunities available to Kenyans abroad and the government’s plans to increase diaspora involvement in development financing.
A key proposal highlighted during the engagement was the planned Diaspora Bond framework, which seeks to mobilise savings from Kenyans living abroad for investment in national development projects.
Mudavadi noted that the government is working to strengthen ties with diaspora communities while improving consular services and support through Kenyan missions abroad.
His visit comes amid growing economic cooperation between Kenya and South Korea.
Earlier this month, President William Ruto announced efforts to deepen trade relations between the two countries following talks with Woo Won-shik.
The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, education, science, technology, and manufacturing.
Ruto said Kenya and South Korea were working to reduce barriers affecting Kenyan agricultural exports.
“To unlock the immense trade potential between our two nations, we are working to reduce barriers that limit access for Kenyan agricultural products to the South Korean market,” he said.
The president also pointed to ongoing cooperation on the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), which is expected to strengthen Kenya’s capacity in science, research, and innovation.
Diaspora role ahead of 2027 polls
Mudavadi also used the meeting to brief Kenyans in South Korea on Kenya’s priorities ahead of the upcoming Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting scheduled for June 1 and 2, 2026.
He highlighted the importance of expanding the six-decade relationship between Kenya and South Korea into emerging sectors, including rare earth minerals processing and nuclear energy cooperation.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary praised members of the Kenyan community in South Korea for their contribution to Kenya through remittances, skills transfer and investment.
He described them as disciplined and patriotic citizens who continue to represent the country positively abroad.
Mudavadi said Ambassador Prof. Emmy Kipsoi and officials at the Kenyan mission in Seoul would continue engaging the diaspora to ensure sustained collaboration between the government and Kenyans living overseas.
The outreach forms part of broader government efforts to increase diaspora participation in national affairs, including development initiatives and electoral processes, as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.