The 17th Annual KESSA Conference took place on September 5-6, 2025, at Georgia State University and it focused on the theme
“Future-proofing Our Global Engagement: Adaptability for Sustained Impact in a Dynamic World.”
The 2025 conference was a great success.
It emphasized the role of the Kenyan academia and professionals in diaspora in shaping a sustainable future through collaborative development efforts. The attendees were drawn from all regions of USA, from Canada, the UK and Kenya.
For a full review of the 2025 Program and abstracts see below.
KESSA Members’ Events and 2025 Conference in videos can be found here KESSA – YouTube
The conference featured influential speakers including,
Hon. Dr. Willy Mutunga
Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kenya, known for his contributions to law and human rights activism. You can catch the videos here Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga thoughts to Kenyan Scholars in Diaspora – YouTube
Former Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga responds to questions from Diaspora Scholars in USA – YouTube
Prof. Kivutha Kibwana
Former Governor of Makueni County in Kenya, a former Kenyan Diaspora, Prof. Daystar University, Kenya and a justice and human rights activist.
You can catch the videos here Prof. Kivutha Kibwana address to Professors & Diaspora Scholars in USA! (Part 1). – YouTube
Prof. Kivutha Kibwana address to Professors & Diaspora Scholars in USA! (Part 2). – YouTube
In 2025, other notable guests were Dr Peter Oburu, Chief Analytics Officer, USIS Equifax Inc., and Jennifer Oburu, Chief of Staff and Technology Programs Director, Elevance Health.
The conference captured in brief in pictures is as below;
