Government Introduces New Reforms to Enhance Protection for Kenyans Seeking Jobs Abroad
The Government of Kenya has announced a series of reforms aimed at improving the safety and preparedness of Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad. These changes, which are set to take effect on September 23, have been developed in consultation with both local and international stakeholders to streamline the recruitment and deployment process.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Alfred Mutua, revealed that under the new regulations, new employment agencies will be required to pay Ksh 500,000 for a one-year registration certificate.
Existing agencies will also be subject to similar costs, with renewal fees set at Ksh 500,000 for two years or Ksh 250,000 for a one-year period. The National Employment Authority (NEA) will enforce compliance with these new regulations.
Significant changes have also been made to pre-departure and homecare training programs, particularly for those seeking employment in domestic roles. The training duration has been reduced from 26 days to 14 days, while other skilled migrant workers will undergo a condensed two-day training program.
The new training will be graded on a 100-point scale, with practicals accounting for 65%, continuous assessments 25%, and theory 10%. A 60% pass mark will be required to qualify for overseas deployment.
Notably, Kenyans who have already completed work contracts in Gulf countries will be exempt from the training to speed up their redeployment process. In a bid to better prepare domestic workers for the unique challenges they face abroad, the government is constructing model Arabic-style houses in Mombasa and Nairobi to simulate living conditions in countries like Saudi Arabia.
CS Mutua also reassured Kenyans that the government is investigating rogue employment agencies, some of which are under scrutiny by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). These reforms are expected to boost the deployment of 5,000 to 10,000 Kenyans abroad each week, further advancing the government’s goal of expanding labour mobility.
