President William Ruto has reasserted his administration’s commitment to empowering Kenyans working abroad by fostering an environment where they can thrive.
Speaking during a meeting with the Kenyan community in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday, November 4, President Ruto highlighted government plans to improve the efficiency of services by getting rid of barriers that may hinder Kenyans from accessing job opportunities abroad.
“We are empowering Kenyans in the diaspora to thrive and contribute to national growth. We have streamlined diaspora services, reducing passport processing time from three months to just three days for those with job offers, and we are facilitating their travel to take up these opportunities,” Ruto said.
Ruto also revealed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has moved to deregister more than 600 rogue labour agencies, with deployment limited to countries with formal bilateral labour engagements.
“To safeguard Kenyan workers, more than 600 rogue labour agencies have been deregistered, and deployment is now limited to countries with formal bilateral labour agreements,” he said.
The President who is also attending the Second World Summit for Social Development, asserted that arrangements are being made to link Kenyans abroad with better paying jobs that will enable them to meaningfully contribute to Kenya’s economy.
“We are also pursuing new agreements to secure skilled and professional job opportunities for Kenyans abroad, enabling our youth to access better-paying roles, gain advanced skills, and bring valuable experience back home,” Ruto stated.
“At the same time, we are exploring ways to make it cheaper and easier for Kenyans to send money home and creating more investment pathways, including through instruments such as the proposed diaspora bond, to strengthen their contribution to our economy.”
On his part, Labour CS Alfred Mutua urged Kenyans not to travel abroad on tourist visas with the intention of seeking work, as this exposes them to legal and welfare risks. He called for strict adherence to official labour migration processes, where opportunities are verified and support systems are in place.
Mutua added that the government will continue supporting its communities in the diaspora by “fast tracking processing for those with confirmed employment offers, and strengthening pathways for remittances, investment, and skills transfer back home.”
