Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyan teachers who secured placement at schools in the United States, to always fly the Kenyan flag high.
Speaking on Monday as he presided over the send-off ceremony for more than 60 teachers, Mudavadi said their success in the various district schools across the US will also elevate the country's standing on education in the world.
“As you embark on this journey, remember that you are ambassadors of Kenya’s values and aspirations. Your success in the international arena will not only benefit you personally but will also elevate the standing of Kenyan education worldwide,” he said.
The Prime CS assured the teachers and Kenyans in the diaspora of the government’s commitment to protect their rights and welfare while working in foreign land.
Mudavadi said this will go hand in hand with the mainstreaming of their contribution towards nation building process.
He also reminded the teachers and other Kenyans who are already working overseas of the importance of remaining disciplined, focused and hardworking.
He said Kenya has gained immense reputation globally because Kenyans working in most foreign countries have proved to be trustworthy, reliable, committed, and have shown high standards of competence in various sectors.
"Comparatively there is an inclination to have Kenyans as the favourites and we need to consolidate this good gesture when we get opportunities to work outside our country.
“You will also validate the Governments’ committment, driven by the Bottom-up Economic and Transformation Agenda, to expand opportunities for quality locally and abroad for our people, particularly the youth.”
Mudavadi, however, cautioned the teachers and the Kenyan diaspora of the dire consequences if one is found on the wrong side of the law while abroad.
He insisted that ethics and code of conduct for engagement changes and so should the ones who get the opportunity to work in those countries.
“As you go out remember to appreciate the laws of the foreign country, since it is very important to understand that immediately you land on the soil of the other country, you are totally under a new and different jurisdiction. You must therefore follow and stick to the new norm,” he cautioned.
The Prime CS added that each of the teachers in the cohort stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Kenyan people.
“As you fly out and leave Kenya behind, remember we are particularly proud of each one of you and confident in the significant contributions you will make from advancing teaching methodologies to creating invaluable avenues for cultural exchange and networking.”
The teachers left the country for the US on Monday night.
