Kenyan Toddler Back in Nairobi Following Official Repatriation from Indonesia

A Kenyan toddler has been reunited with her family in Nairobi following her repatriation from Indonesia in an operation coordinated by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA).

The child, whose mother remains involved in ongoing legal proceedings in Indonesia, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) early on Saturday morning. She was accompanied by SDDA officer Ms Grace Akello and received by a joint team of government and civil society representatives, including Ms Felister Kebati, Ms Shukri Sirat, and Ms Florence Wangari. 

The child was handed over to her grandmother, with the process witnessed by the baby’s aunt and facilitated in partnership with the Mathare Constituency Children’s Officer and the Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD). The repatriation was arranged to prevent the child from being placed in state care in Indonesia, where laws require infants to remain with their mothers for a set period before possible transfer to institutional custody. 

Acting through Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Jakarta, the government took full responsibility for returning the child home, reaffirming its commitment to the protection of citizens abroad. Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Ms Roseline K. Njogu, who oversaw the case, praised the cooperation between agencies that made the operation possible. 

“We are deeply grateful to all those who worked tirelessly to ensure this child’s safe return home,” she said, emphasising the government’s dedication to supporting vulnerable Kenyans overseas.