•CS Bore has said the government also benefits from the high remittances from Kenyans working in the diaspora.
•Kenya is earning more foreign exchange from diaspora remittances than each of its major exports – tea, coffee, tourism and horticulture.
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The government is focusing on labour migration opportunities for Kenyans, Labour and Social Protection CS Florence Bore has said, as remittances remain a key driver of economic growth.
While the inflows are a major source of foreign exchange for the country, they also go along way in supporting families and fireds back at home, with education, healthcare, and household needs among the main areas the monies go to.
CS Bore has said the government also benefits from the high remittances from Kenyans working in the diaspora.
Kenya is earning more foreign exchange from diaspora remittances than each of its major exports – tea, coffee, tourism and horticulture.
Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) data shows remittance inflows reached an all-time high of $4.19 billion (Sh681.5 billion) in 2023, compared to $4.03 billion (Sh652.2 billion) in 2022, an increase of four per cent.
“The inflows were strong in December 2023 at USD 372.6 million compared to USD 355.0 million in November, an increase of 5.0 percent. The US remains the largest source of remittances into Kenya, accounting for 56 percent in 2023,” CBK said in its latest remittances update.
CS Bore said labour migration has a huge economic potential both for the government and Kenyans moving abroad, hence needs to be done in the right way for prosperity.
"We want to focus on streamlining labour migration. We have set up a labour desk at the JKIA to ensure that those going to work outside the country are well-secured and will be working in a smooth, fair and conducive environment," she said.
The CS has urged the youth to use the National Employment Authority (NEA) website to check for jobs, a platform ministries post opportunities they get from outside the country.
She said nobody should pay to get job opportunities and that it is one way of eradicating corruption cases in employment opportunities.
"Just log into NEA and apply for the job that suits you and your profession, do not give any amount of money. The jobs are there," she insisted.
She said the government remains committed to fighting corruption, with both the Defence and Interior ministries closely monitoring recruitment exercises.
"The jobs are supposed to be publicly given out and youths are not supposed to part with any money for the job opportunities. Report any cases that arise," Bore urged the public.
Meanwhile, CS Bore said the government has signed bilateral labour agreements with four countries, with 19 others in the pipeline where talks are ongoing.
She said in the agreements, the government is keen to ensure migrant workers' rights, good pay as well as safety, as it secures friendly terms with the respective countries.
"These bilateral labour agreements will ensure, for instance, Kenyans are not overworked, they work within the normal working timeline," CS Bore said.
She said the Kenya Kwanza government has intervened on salary increments for most migrant workers in the diaspora, where individuals used to earn less.
"As a government, we are keen on the well-being of Kenyans in the diaspora. We will continue fighting for their rights, especially on employment terms and contracts," she said.
Recently, the government intervened and negotiated for nurses' salaries in Saudi Arabia.
As the government is doing its best to secure better terms for Kenyans, the CS has urged both skilled and non-skilled migrant workers to work within their contract terms and report anything breaches.
"Do not hesitate to report any matter that is against the contract. We want you to work comfortably," she said.
The government will also continue offering internship opportunities for the youth in different ministries, the CS said.
"The Public Service Commission continues to give internship programmes for the youth in different ministries. Currently, we have over 8,000 opportunities where the youths get monthly stipends," she said.
The affordable housing projects have also offered thousands of job opportunities, the CS said.
The government is also setting up ICT hubs in every ward across the country, a move that will help create jobs.
"This will ensure our youths get digital skills and online jobs among other opportunities."