3,000 Kenyans in Scotland Keep Traditions Alive While Excelling Professionally

An estimated 3,000 Kenyans living in Scotland have formed a close-knit diaspora community that combines professional life with strong cultural ties and collective support.

Most Kenyan residents are based in Edinburgh and Glasgow, where many first arrived as students or skilled professionals before settling permanently. Despite its relatively small size, the community has developed strong internal networks, helping new arrivals integrate while maintaining links to Kenya.

The scale of the diaspora has encouraged close personal connections. Informal support systems play an important role, offering guidance on employment, education and settlement, and ensuring members remain connected to one another across cities.

The Kenyan Community in Scotland (KCS) plays a central role in organising social and cultural life. The group runs mentorship programmes, professional networking events and cultural gatherings. Activities range from celebrating Kenyan national days to group walks in the Scottish Highlands, reflecting an effort to blend Kenyan traditions with local life.

Community cohesion is particularly evident during bereavement. When a member dies, families must navigate Kenyan cultural practices alongside Scottish legal requirements. Some funerals take place in Scotland, while others involve repatriation to Kenya. In both cases, community members provide financial, logistical and emotional support.

Several individuals have become prominent voices within the diaspora. KCS coordinator Mercy Kamanja has emphasised unity and cultural continuity, especially during significant life events. Professionals such as IT and risk management specialist Simon Munga and academic Dr Kamau Wairuri illustrate how Kenyans contribute to Scottish professional and academic sectors while maintaining strong ties to Kenya.

Cultural preservation is a priority for families. Parents encourage the use of Swahili at home, observe Kenyan customs and celebrate traditional milestones. These efforts aim to ensure children raised in Scotland remain connected to their heritage while growing up in a multicultural society.

The community is also active in civic matters related to Kenya. With the country’s 2027 general elections approaching, diaspora leaders are calling for improved access to overseas voter registration and polling facilities, arguing that Kenyans abroad should be able to participate fully in national elections.