- About 70 teachers secured teaching jobs in the US from a group of 150 who had indicated interest to work in American schools.
- The Prime CS advised the teachers to remain focused, maintain discipline and adhere to the laws of the host country.
A number of Kenyan teachers left the country for the US Monday night to begin new jobs in the foreign country.
The lot was seen off by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Diaspora and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi and PS Roseline Njogu.
About 70 teachers secured teaching jobs in the US from a group of 150 who had indicated interest to work in American schools, an official from the recuiting agency said.
She said Baltimore City Schools made a request for the teachers last year.
“I don’t know whether in five years’ time, your accent will be different,” Mudavadi said in jest when he stood to deliver his speech.
While acknowledging Kenyans’ reputation globally as dedicated workers, the Prime CS advised the teachers to remain focused, maintain discipline and adhere to the laws of the host country.
“You are good workers, you communicate very well and this is why comparatively if you take a Kenyan in the Diaspora and some of our other colleagues from the continent in the Diaspora there’s an inclination to have a Kenyan as the favourite,” he said.
“Appreciate what are the laws in that country and always remember that the moment you are on that plane and you land, you are now under a different jurisdiction and therefore you must respect the laws and regulations of that land.”
Mudavadi said there have been incidents where Kenyans have found themselves in trouble after moving abroad by attempting to do things in unacceptable ways.
“Be very careful because you have to respect the code of ethics and regulations in those countries,” he said.
During a town hall meeting with residents of Mombasa Sunday night, President William Ruto said one way his government was creating jobs was through labour export to foreign countries.
Earlier that day while addressing residents of Mwatate in Taita Taveta county, Ruto said those who secure jobs abroad will have their passports processed within a week while the government will foot the flight costs.
“I have planned that anyone who wants to go abroad for work is given a passport and other needed documents within a week. They will not need to pay for the air ticket, we shall pay for the ticket," he said.
Mudavadi, however, remained noncommittal on this promise even as he acknowledged the travel costs the teachers have incurred were huge.
“I want to assure you that the government of Kenya will always be as supportive as it can be. Today let me not rush and make any promises that I may not deliver,” he said.
“There is a famous saying that when you are in public space promise what you can deliver and deliver what you promise but we have heard you that support is necessary in a number of areas,” he added.
Mudavadi said the government will look into how to fast-track visa acquisition and to chip in on the flight expenses “because putting together this journey can also be expensive”.
“We will reflect on it carefully as we go forward,” he said.
PS Njogu said they are happy to see more Kenyans finding good opportunities in places far from home and they are willing and daring to go and explore.
"Kudos to you and we are wishing you all the best," she said.