- Mudavadi said the government has stepped up labour export with the aim of raking in the dollars through remittances.
- He was speaking on Thursday during the Western edition of the Kazi Majuu Job Fair in Vihiga county.
Image: OPCS
The government plans to increase diaspora remittance to Sh1 trillion by 2027, up from Sh671 billion sent last year by Kenyans working abroad
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said last year’s remittances dwarfed Kenya’s combined traditional foreign income earners of tea and coffee, signalling the new cash cow for the country.
Mudavadi said the government has stepped up labour exports to rake in the dollars through remittances.
“We want to push the remittance to a trillion in the next three years. Currently, Kenyans in foreign countries are increasing in number through our government’s intervention and bilateral agreements,” Mudavadi said.
He was speaking on Thursday during the Western edition of the Kazi Majuu Job Fair in Vihiga county.
Kenya's cumulative diaspora inflows for 12 months to July 2024 remained steady at $4.4 billion (Sh568 billion).
Data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) shows that Kenya's diaspora population sent home $414.3 million (Sh53.4 billion) compared to Sh378.1 million (Sh49.1 billion) in June, representing a marginal percentage difference.
This is the highest amount the country received from its citizens working abroad since December last year.
Mudavadi emphasised the critical role youth employment abroad plays in enhancing Kenya’s foreign revenue and improving the livelihoods of families nationwide.
“If we do not continue to build diaspora remittances as a major resource, we risk a run on the Kenyan shilling,” he warned.
Mudavadi, who doubles up as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said Kenyans are in high demand globally due to their work ethic and fluency in language.
He pointed out that even international call centres, such as Delta Airlines, employ Kenyans who work remotely from Nairobi’s Tatu City, earning salaries in dollars.
“We have some Kenyans working in cruises and they are earning upward of Sh250,000 to Sh400,000, which is a tidy sum for you Kenyans,” he said.
Mudavadi stressed that discipline is paramount for the youth as they seek employment opportunities abroad.
He said that Kenyans have been performing well globally, and it is essential to elevate the country's reputation further so that the Kenyan workforce is highly respected.
He cautioned that violence and extremist behaviours could undermine the credibility of Kenyan youth and prompt potential employers to turn to candidates from other countries.
“Once you leave Kenyan soil, the law that applies is that of the country you are going to. You must respect it,” Mudavadi advised.
He urged the youth to maintain discipline, avoid reckless behaviour and honour their financial obligations, such as paying rent on time.
Meanwhile, Mudavadi said the government was also working to create job opportunities within the country saying Israel has expressed interest in investing in the agricultural sector through foreign direct investment.
He said Israeli investors are keen to invest in large-scale farming in Kenya, a venture supported by both governments.
Mudavadi said the partnership is seen as a response to dwindling food production, especially wheat, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He called for a unified approach to ensure a conducive environment for investment and economic growth in Kenya.
"Investors come where there is peace and stability. If I’m an investor, I will not take my money where there is chaos," Mudavadi remarked.