Nairobi, Kenya- July 30th, 2025
A distinguished delegation from Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department (SLID), led by the Chief Immigration Officer, Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio has embarked on an insightful benchmarking tour in Kenya. This enriching experience proved mutually beneficial, strategically positioning both Sierra Leone and Kenya to maximize their collaborative potential.
The study tour is part of the broader initiatives established under the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), signed between Sierra Leone and Kenya in 2022. This collaboration sets the stage for streamlining immigration processes and enhancing bilateral relations.
President Julius Maada Bio’s Administration is committed to reforming Sierra Leone’s public sector and infrastructure. A cornerstone of these reforms is the transformation of the Immigration Department into a more effective and independent service provider. This effort aims to boost efficiency and align with international best practices, processes, and operations.
When making her presentation, Madam Evelyn Chegulet, Director General of Kenya’s Department of Immigration Services, provided the Sierra Leone delegation with comprehensive insights into Kenya’s immigration systems. Her presentation covered several critical areas, including the legislative framework, key functions, inter-agency collaboration, and partnerships with international organizations. Notably, she highlighted initiatives such as the digitization of immigration processes, mobile consular services, overseas passports, and visa issuance—providing a specialized educational foundation for improved immigration governance.
The sessions fostered a robust exchange of knowledge, allowing both departments to share experiences and initiatives, ultimately enhancing their operational performance.
At the conclusion of the sessions, Dr. Baio expressed deep gratitude to Madam Chegulet for her warm hospitality and exceptional welcome. He emphasized that choosing Kenya for this study tour was a pivotal decision that generated substantial knowledge gains for his team.
In other developments, on July 29, 2025, Dr. Baio also met with Kenya’s Ambassador Dennis G. Mburue, Director of Africa Affairs at the Kenya Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. Their discussions centred on the connections between the Foreign Ministry and Kenya’s Department of Immigration.
The Sierra Leonean delegation included key figures such as Mr. Alfred Lahai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Mr. Swaray Junisa, Director of Administration and Finance, Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department. Gladdys Mamawa Gbondo Esq. the Legal Adviser, Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department, Mr. Abdul Karim Kargbo, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Sierra Leone High Commission in Kenya; and Mr. Jeremiah Aiah Moigbe, Second Secretary.
The tour marks a significant step forward in fostering a collaborative spirit between Sierra Leone and Kenya, paving the way for enhanced immigration practices and enduring partnerships. Both parties agreed to establish a memorandum of understanding under the Joint Cooperation Agreement to continue facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise, capacity building, and technical assistance.
A.B. Dakowa
SLHC, Kenya.