The Kenyan government has successfully repatriated a toddler from Indonesia after the child’s mother was detained following a legal dispute in the host country.

The baby arrived safely at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday morning, accompanied by Diaspora Affairs officer Grace Akello.

Upon arrival, the child was received by a team working in collaboration with the Mathare Constituency Children’s Office and the Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD). The delegation led by Felister Kebati, Shukri Sirat, and Florence Wangari facilitated the official handover of the baby to her grandmother in the presence of the child’s aunt.

The government, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the Kenya Mission in Jakarta, fully funded the repatriation to ensure the child would not be placed in state care abroad.

Under Indonesian law, infants are typically required to remain with their mothers for a certain period. If no family member claims custody within that timeframe, the child is transferred to a government-run children’s home.

Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, who has been overseeing the matter since it was reported to her office, praised the joint efforts that made the operation possible.

“This successful repatriation reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Kenyans abroad, especially vulnerable children,” Njogu said.

“We appreciate the collaboration between state and non-state partners who ensured the safe return and reunion of this child with family.”

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs reaffirmed its continued commitment to offering consular and humanitarian assistance to Kenyans living overseas, emphasizing that the welfare of citizens abroad remains a top priority.

While details surrounding the mother’s alleged offence remain unclear, authorities confirmed that under Indonesian law, when a caregiver is detained, officials attempt to locate close relatives to assume care. If none are available, the child is placed temporarily in a protection centre pending resolution, often with the assistance of foreign embassies or consulates to arrange repatriation or guardianship.