State commits to streamline labour migration, support Kenyans

The government has committed to support Kenyans migrating to work abroad, even as it continues to secure key bilateral agreements to protect its citizens in foreign countries.

This is part of efforts to address the high unemployment rate in the country which has seen the State work on creating jobs locally and securing opportunities abroad.

Labour and Skills Development PS Shadrack Mwadime has said the labour migration desk at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)  will assist in enhancing the safety of Kenyans going to work in the diaspora.

Speaking during an interview in his office, Mwadime said the migration desk will help in curbing irregular migration in order to create a safe, fair, regular and productive working environment at the diaspora.

According to Mwadime, labour migration continues to greatly contribute to the growth and development of the country's economy since it is a source of employment and livelihood for many Kenyans.

"When these Kenyans work in the foreign countries, they come to invest back home where their families are and that is how the government earns and gets economic growth," said Mwadime.

Diaspora remittances are currently the biggest foreign exchange earner for the country having overtaken tea, coffee and tourism.

Data by the Central Bank of Kenya indicates remittances totaled $4.2 billion (Sh678.3 billion) in the 12 months to October 2023, and were 4.2 percent higher compared to a similar period in 2022.

Kenyan living and working abroad sent home Sh54.3 billion ($355m) in November last year, with remittance inflows expected to further grow as more Kenyans seek employment abroad.

"The number of Kenyans in the diaspora has significantly increased and is estimated to be four million and everyday, we have people going out to work both as skilled and non- skilled workers," the PS noted.

He said so far, the government has signed MOUs with key labour destination countries including Germany, Austria, Bahrain, Oman,Poland, Jordan, Kuwait, Canada and Ireland, among others.

"In ensuring promotion of employment opportunities for migrant workers, last year we had a job order of 200 nurses which was secured in March 2023 to go and work in the ministry of health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and this was a government to government initiative," he said.

Recently, Labour and Social protection CS Florence Bore also secured 2,500 vacancies for health care professionals to be recruited to work in Saudi Arabia.

The PS has since urged qualified health workers to apply for the jobs through the National Employment Agency, which will pick qualified nurses for the jobs.

"As a government we assure you of your safety and your welfare from your employer. We will be watching all the workers in the diaspora and will take immediate interventions when an issue arises," he insisted.

He said the ministry has also established help desks and contacts in the countries Kenyans will be recruited for jobs, to monitor on their welfare and working relations with employers.

Deputy government spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga said President William Ruto’s foreign trips have started bearing fruits with more job openings abroad.

She has called on Kenyans to take opportunities in the foreign labour markets.

“The government is keen to protect the rights of Kenyans moving abroad. Don’t be afraid, the government is working for you. We are committed to improve the quality of lives by creating jobs both locally and abroad,” Chidzuga Said.

Meanwhile, the National Employment Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is expected to further protect Kenyans moving abroad.

The proposed law, sponsored by nominated Senator Crystal Asige, states no person or agency shall recruit Kenyans unless they are licensed by the agency. 

It seeks to protect the rights and provide clear guidelines for deployment of workers.