South Sudanese in Kenya Call for Better Embassy Services

(Nairobi) – South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Anthony Kon, met with a group of South Sudanese community leaders from Nakuru on June 17, 2025. The leaders visited the Embassy in Nairobi to congratulate the ambassador on his recent appointment and to discuss pressing issues affecting South Sudanese nationals living in Kenya.

The delegation expressed confidence in Ambassador Kon’s leadership and pledged to work closely with the Embassy to resolve ongoing challenges.

They highlighted several concerns facing South Sudanese communities in Nakuru and Eldoret, including long delays in obtaining ordinary South Sudanese passports and the need to decentralize immigration services to better serve those living outside Nairobi.

Other issues raised included the lack of higher education scholarships for South Sudanese students who have completed their secondary education in Kenya. The delegation said many students struggle to pay tuition fees and face frequent difficulties renewing visas and residency permits. They also noted that inadequate documentation often results in confrontations with Kenyan authorities.

Ambassador Kon welcomed the delegation warmly and thanked them for their visit. He acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised and affirmed that the well being of South Sudanese citizens in Kenya is a top priority for the Embassy.

He promised to engage relevant Kenyan government offices to address the visa and immigration issues and said he would also consult with the Education Attaché and the Ministry of Higher Education in Juba to examine scholarship possibilities for South Sudanese students in Kenya.

The delegation also invited the ambassador to attend the upcoming South Sudan Independence Day celebrations in Nakuru on July 9. They said the event would serve as a unifying moment for the community and an expression of national pride. Ambassador Kon welcomed the invitation, saying he would attend in principle, depending on his official schedule.

He praised the unity and commitment of the Nakuru community and emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between the Embassy and South Sudanese diaspora groups in Kenya.

He also reiterated his open door policy and pledged to continue engaging with South Sudanese across Kenya to better understand and respond to their needs.

The visit marked one of Ambassador Kon’s first major community engagements since his appointment.

With many South Sudanese in Kenya continuing to face bureaucratic and financial challenges, community engagement is seen as key to improving services and ensuring that the diaspora remains connected to home.

This outreach comes at a time when many South Sudanese in Kenya, particularly students, are navigating tight financial conditions.

As of June 2025, the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) continues to fluctuate against major currencies. The cost of renewing a Kenyan visa is a burden for many families who rely on informal work or remittances.

Kon’s efforts were widely welcomed on social media, with several community members praising his openness and commitment to listening to citizens’ concerns.

Many expressed optimism that under his leadership, the Embassy would become more accessible and responsive to the needs of South Sudanese living abroad.