The University of Nairobi and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) co-hosted a thought-provoking debate competition of universities to commemorate International Migrants Day. During the first round the UoN team faced Strathmore University and put up a great fight. UoN lost to Strathmore University by a thin margin of 63 points to 65 points. In the second round Strathmore University went up against and lost to the Catholic University of Eastern Africa 58.5 points to 61.8 points. The debate's grand finale was carried by the Technical University of Kenya at position one, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa came in position two and Strathmore University came in third position.

Other participating universities were Kenyatta University, Daystar University, the United States International University- Africa and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The debate competitions were centered around the motions; ‘Migration benefits all groups of society’, ‘Migration is the most powerful driver of economic empowerment of youth in Kenya’ and ‘Migration is the number one pathway for innovative and creative solutions to climate change’. These motions served the theme of the event “Think of Tomorrow Act Today”, unlocking the power of migration as one the solutions to global challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama’s address, delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Julius Ogengo, accentuated that the University plays a pivotal role offering Migrants and International students Education. “The university will continue to contribute knowledge through research on the discourse of migration and development”, he said. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of migrants in education in his address, “Migration brings diversity and gives us a platform to learn”.

Migration is a massive contemporary and future benefit to the world. Remarks by Dr. Dan Opon, Director of Immigration Service encouraged everyone to look at migration through a liberal lens where they see migration contributing to mitigating major structural problems as majority of migrants move for very positive motives. “Apart from diaspora remittances, migrants bring home new skills, knowledge and experiences”, Dr. Opon discussed and commended the many contributions of migrants.

Ms. Roseline Njogu, the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs commended the University and IOM for involving universities and youths in the discourse around safe migrations as Kenya notably take spaces around the world. She underscored that labor and economic migrants continue to move and sought those Migrant spaces be safe.

The event also acknowledged the challenges faced by migrants. The CEO of Kenya Airways, Allan Kilavuka, highlighted the importance of safe migration pathways. He stated, "Today is a day to discuss the key challenges facing immigrants. Due to lack of safe pathways for immigration, immigrants use dangerous routes. Kenya Airways has a zero tolerance to human trafficking & smuggling."

The event was held in partnership with Kenya Airways, Skyward Express and Safaricom as it explored the role of private sectors in harnessing the power of migration to find solutions to today’s most pressing issues and to inspire others.

Moreover, the International Organization of Migration- Kenya, who were co-hosts of the event with UoN, awarded the debate winners, the team from TUK, with a special key that had a list of internship opportunities. “This key is intended to open and tap in to innovative ideas and bring them to IOM so we can share for nine months. We have here some of the internships that you can come for at IOM as soon as you graduate. Welcome to IOM, this key is meant to open doors for excellent ideas that you will be bringing in to change the way we do things”, elaborated the Chief of Mission IOM-Kenya, Ms. Dimanche Sharon.

Click on the link to watch the video on International Migrants Day:

https://www.youtube.com/live/AiezR6DCwp0?si=kH01-ot30uhxD2uF