The Republic of Kenya was the first African country to join IOM. Kenya became a member on 24 May 1985. Although the original co-operation agreement between Kenya and IOM was signed on 26 March 1982, IOM proceeded to open an office in Nairobi in 1993, while programming and implementation of activities began in 1984, with only two programmes. The mission’s programming has since grown to include more than 30 programmes and works in close collaboration with up to eight Government of Kenya ministries.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons
• Ministry of State of Special Programmes
• Ministry of East African Community
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• Ministry of Environment
• Ministry of Labour

Over the years IOM Kenya has expanded to cover regions that have been affected by natural and man made disasters that induce mobility. The field offices include:

• Nairobi
• Dadaab
• Kakuma
• Garissa
• Kapenguria
• Eldoret

IOM Kenya has a total 409 staff.