CALEB MWAMISI: Labour migration not a losing brain drain but a brain gain

BY CALEB MWAMISI

In recent years, Kenya has witnessed a significant outflow of its young and talented workforce to various parts of the world.

This has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing the country is set to lose its best and brightest in what is often termed a brain drain.

A more nuanced perspective reveals that sending young Kenyans abroad to seek employment opportunities is, in fact, a form of ‘brain gain’.

By learning from historical precedents and structuring bilateral labour agreements (BLAs) to protect workers’ rights and encourage professional growth, Kenya is positioning itself to reap significant long-term benefits.

“Would you prefer that we ask over five million young Kenyans to wait for jobs to be created by the private and public sectors, or should we enable them to seize opportunities abroad and return more empowered?” asked the PS Shadrack Mwadime, PS for Labour and Skills Development recently in a media interview.

Kenya's strategy of encouraging its youth to seek employment abroad is not without precedent.

Many successful economies have employed similar tactics effectively. A notable example is China, which in the late 20th Century actively promoted overseas education and work opportunities, particularly in the United States and Europe.

Initially, concerns arose that this would drain talent and impede development.

Contrary to these fears, the returning Chinese diaspora, enriched with advanced knowledge and skills, played a vital role in transforming China into a global economic powerhouse.

In the early 20th Century, numerous German workers migrated to the United States, acquiring valuable skills.

Upon their return, they significantly contributed to Germany’s industrial growth. This experience illustrates that labour migration should be viewed not as a loss, but as a strategic investment in a nation's future.

South Korea also benefitted from returning skilled workers in the latter half of the 20th Century, and they who were instrumental in modernising the country’s industries and driving its economic rise.

Since President Ruto assumed office in 2002, Kenya has intensified its labour migration strategies.

Recent bilateral labour agreements (BLAs) with countries like Germany, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia demonstrate a clear intent to engage global labour markets for the benefit of its citizens.

These agreements ensure that Kenyans abroad receive fair wages, good working conditions, and professional development opportunities.

Notably, a recent agreement with Germany will see 500 skilled Kenyans migrate in the coming week, marking a well-organised initiative that promises significant long-term benefits for Kenya.

A major advantage of labour migration is the financial remittances sent back home.

In 2023, Kenyans abroad remitted over $4 billion, merely five percent of their total savings, raising the question of how much more could be achieved by expanding these efforts.

With more than one million youths entering the job market annually and only around 200,000 being absorbed locally, external employment opportunities provide essential relief to Kenya’s strained job market.

Remittances, however, are just one aspect of the broader vision. Kenya’s government has recognised the untapped potential of its diaspora to contribute directly to economic development.

By collaborating with the Kenya Investment Council, the government is developing attractive packages to encourage diaspora investment in local industries.

Many workers abroad are on short-term contracts, typically between three and five years. Upon their return, they bring not only capital but also entrepreneurial ambitions and crucial expertise.

This opens up possibilities for Kenya to strengthen sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and ICT, industries poised to drive the nation’s future growth.

China's rise in the 20th Century provides a powerful lesson.

As China integrated into the global economy, its returning diaspora became instrumental in establishing and modernising industries.

They reinvested their overseas earnings, creating jobs and propelling economic growth. Kenya, too, is well-positioned to follow this model, leveraging its diaspora to fuel domestic economic expansion.

In addition to financial benefits, labour migration brings another essential gain: the transfer of skills and technology.

As Kenyan professionals work in advanced economies, they are exposed to cutting-edge technologies and best practices. When they return, these skills will help elevate the standards of Kenyan industries and enhance the country's global competitiveness.

Kenya’s youth working abroad are acquiring the tools to transform the economy.

Their exposure to modern infrastructures and high standards of professionalism will enable them to return home ready to start businesses, lead industries, and drive the nation’s development.

Far from a brain drain, this migration serves as an incubator for future national leaders and innovators.

In the face of high youth unemployment — 65 per cent of Kenya's population is under age 35 — the local job market faces immense pressure.

While government efforts to support youth entrepreneurship are commendable, sending young Kenyans abroad to ageing economies such as those in Europe presents a practical solution.

These countries need skilled and semi-skilled labour, and Kenya’s youthful workforce is ready to meet this demand, reducing domestic unemployment and boosting livelihoods.

This strategy is not only logical but transformative.

Rather than waiting for local jobs, young Kenyans can earn higher wages abroad, acquire valuable skills, and return with the capital and expertise to spark Kenya’s development. Labour migration should no longer be seen as a loss but as a strategic investment in the country’s future.

“The idea of brain drain is outdated. In today’s interconnected world, labour migration represents brain gain. Kenya is enhancing its talent by sending its youth abroad,” PS Shadrack Mwadime in the State Department of Labour said.

The skills, knowledge, and wealth these individuals bring back will strengthen Kenya’s socio-economic fabric.

By negotiating rights-based BLAs and encouraging diaspora investment, Kenya is ensuring long-term benefits. The emphasis on protecting workers’ rights, ensuring fair wages, and fostering professional development solidifies this strategy’s sustainability.