Over 600 rogue job agencies have been deregistered – Ruto

President William Ruto in Doha, Qatar when he engaged the Kenyan diaspora community on November 5, 2025/PCS

President William Ruto says the government has deregistered more than 600 rogue labour recruitment agencies in a move to protect Kenyans seeking jobs abroad.

Speaking in Doha, Qatar, during a meeting with Kenyans in the diaspora on the sidelines of the United Nations Social Development Summit, the President said the government is reforming the labour migration sector to ensure safety, dignity, and fairness for Kenyan workers.

He said only labour deployment to countries that have formal bilateral agreements with Kenya is now permitted.

“To safeguard Kenyan workers, more than 600 rogue labour agencies have been deregistered. The deployment is now limited to countries with formal bilateral labour agreements with Kenya,” Ruto said.

This, he said, will ensure Kenyan workers are protected and their rights upheld in foreign countries.

Ruto said his administration is also negotiating new labour agreements to secure more skilled and professional job opportunities abroad.

These agreements are expected to help Kenyan youth access better-paying jobs, acquire advanced skills, and return home with valuable experience.

The President said the government has streamlined diaspora services and improved efficiency in travel documentation. He noted that passport processing time for Kenyans with confirmed job offers has been reduced from three months to only three days.

He said these efforts are part of a broader plan to empower Kenyans living and working abroad to thrive and contribute to national development.

At the same time, the government is working on ways to make it easier and cheaper for Kenyans in the diaspora to send money home.

President Ruto said the government is also creating more avenues for investment, including the proposed diaspora bond, to enhance the economic contribution of Kenyans abroad.

Ruto said he is committed to improving engagement with the diaspora community.

He reminded the audience that during the last election campaign, he promised stronger ties with the diaspora and to fulfil this, his administration established the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.

He praised Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, for her work in addressing consular matters and supporting Kenyans in distress abroad. He cited recent incidents in Lebanon and other countries where the department had intervened.

The President said the diaspora department has strengthened the relationship between Kenyans abroad and those at home.

He assured the community that the government is ready to improve services further to meet their needs.

Ruto told Kenyans in Qatar that their contribution to the country’s economy is significant and the government values their role.

He encouraged them to take advantage of the new systems and opportunities being created to make their engagement with Kenya more meaningful and productive.

The President also said the government will continue to prioritise the welfare of Kenyan workers globally while promoting their role in national growth.

“I am very proud that the diaspora department has created a better relationship between Kenyans in Diaspora and Kenyans back at home. I am prepared to see what we can add to better the engagement, do what we are doing in a better way to serve you better.”