Kenya has launched its National Migration Coordination Mechanism (NCM), a government led inter-agency coordination platform, that will be responsible for national migration management.
The body is tasked with facilitating interagency coordination, collaboration and information-sharing on migration issues at the national level. It will provide a common platform for relevant government ministries, departments and non-state actors.
NCM was conceived from the findings and recommendations of a joint assessment by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and IOM in 2014. It also draws on the migration profile for Kenya launched by the government with the support of IOM in 2015.
Speaking during the launch, Director of Immigration Services, Maj. General (Rtd) Dr. Gordon Kihalangwa said the NCM provides a platform for stakeholders to enhance understanding of migration realities and address the twin problem of duplication and waste of resources.
“The inception of NCM comes at a right time, when Kenya and countries in the region are grappling with similar migration challenges,” he told a workshop that brought together high level government officials in Naivasha, Kenya.
In July 2012, IGAD member states adopted a Regional Migration Policy Framework (RMPF) to address migration dynamics in the East and Horn Africa region. To support the implementation of the RMPF at the national level, IGAD and IOM are supporting the establishment and strengthening of national platforms and mechanisms for cooperation on migration.
NCM will based at the Department of Immigration Services in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
