Ruto, speaking while meeting representatives of the Kenyan Diaspora from 27 countries, highlighted the challenges in tracking Kenyans working overseas, saying government agencies lack accurate data.
President William Ruto has announced new measures to support Kenyans seeking jobs abroad.
“It dawned on me when I asked the National Employment Authority, which is supposed to be the authority responsible for how many Kenyans are working abroad, and they had no numbers,” he said.
He added that even immigration officers did not have this information since many Kenyans travel on tourist visas or use unofficial routes.
To address this, Ruto said the government has stopped the old system and is introducing a “green channel” for job seekers.
“If you have a letter of employment, within two days, maximum three days, you will have your passport,” he said.
All related services, including fingerprinting by the DCI, have been brought under one roof to speed up processing.
Ruto also said the government will assist those who lack funds to buy air tickets.
“We have mobilised resources from Youth Fund, from Uwezo Fund, to assist Kenyans who want to work abroad,” he said.
Ruto also recognised the crucial contribution of Kenyans who live and work abroad in the transformation of the country.
"Through the State Department of Diaspora Affairs, we have taken deliberate steps to formulate policies that help harness their immense competencies, skills and resources in national development. We particularly recognise remittances from the diaspora and the role they play in family and community support, investment and in boosting our foreign reserves that currently amount to $10.8 billion, the highest ever," he said.
The Head of State said that in the past two years, the remittances have grown from $4 billion (Sh516 billion) to $4.95 billion (Sh638 billion) last year.
