By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya is set to implement a series of transformative reforms aimed at enhancing the recruitment and deployment process for citizens seeking employment abroad.
The changes developed after a consultation with local and international stakeholders, are designed to improve the efficiency and integrity of the country’s labour migration system, ensuring better protection and opportunities for Kenyans.
Announcing the reforms during a follow-up meeting, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Labour Dr. Alfred Mutua highlighted several key changes that will take effect on September 23, 2024.
A central element of the reforms is the introduction of a new registration system for employment agencies.
“Under this new framework, the initial registration certificate for new agencies will be valid for one year, at a cost of Ksh 500,000. Additionally, the renewal period for existing agencies will now be extended to two years, priced at Ksh 500,000 for the full two-year period or Ksh 250,000 for one year with the option for renewal,” stated CS Mutua.
Another notable reform is the overhaul of pre-departure training and orientation programs.
“Homecare management training will now be integrated with pre-departure training, reducing the total training period from 26 days to 14 days. For other skilled migrant workers, pre-departure training will now be reduced to 2 days, making the process more efficient. The assessment system for these programs will be evaluated on a 100-point scale, with 65% for practicals by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), 25% for continuous assessment, and 10% for pre-departure theory, with a pass mark of 60%. The revised guidelines will be distributed by NITA to all trainers by November 1,” added the CS.
In a move to further streamline the process, domestic workers who have previously completed contracts in the Gulf region will be exempt from these training requirements.
The reforms also address financial burdens on job seekers, with the cost ceiling for homecare and pre-departure training capped at Ksh 14,000.
Additionally, the government is working with banks to provide financing options to employment agencies, eliminating the need to pass costs onto job seekers.
The impact of these reforms is expected to be significant, with the government aiming to facilitate the deployment of between 5,000 to 10,000 Kenyans abroad each week.
The CS also reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Kenyan workers abroad and cracking down on rogue agencies, several of which are currently under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“These reforms are expected to facilitate the deployment of between 5,000 to 10,000 Kenyans to work abroad each week, aligning with our government’s ambition to expand labour mobility. We are also committed to addressing the issue of rogue agencies, with several currently under investigation by the DCI,” noted Dr.Mutua.
The government has reassured its commitment to protecting its citizens and promoting safe, legal, and beneficial employment opportunities abroad.