AfriPulse
President William Ruto reported that over 494,000 young Kenyans have secured employment abroad, finding opportunities in countries such as France, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. During an address to hundreds of church leaders at State House, Nairobi, the president framed this milestone as both a significant achievement and a serious governmental duty.
While celebrating these figures, the president noted that the success of Kenya’s labor mobility program depends on more than just high numbers. He explained that the government prioritizes the protection and fair treatment of its citizens while they work in foreign lands.
“Over 494,000 young people are working in France, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and many other countries,” he said.
To ensure this safety, the president pointed to deliberate policy measures designed to shield workers from exploitation. He maintained that the state only facilitates these opportunities when formal protections are in place.
“As a government, we also make sure wherever we send our youth to work, we have bilateral agreements,” Ruto said.
President Ruto explained that these bilateral agreements serve as vital safeguards, guaranteeing that workers receive fair wages and clear job descriptions. These pacts also establish formal channels for repatriation, ensuring that help is available if citizens face difficulties abroad. His message sought to offer a sense of security to families concerned by past reports of mistreatment in foreign countries.
“We want to know how much this Kenyan is being paid, what kind of job they are doing, and also, if problems arise, how Kenyans will be brought back home.”
The president reiterated the necessity of these global roles, noting that countries like Germany, Canada, and South Korea continue to open their doors to Kenyan talent. He painted a picture of a nation that supports the global ambitions of its youth while shouldering the responsibility for their well-being.
Ruto said that in this framework, bilateral agreements transcend mere paperwork; they act as lifelines that protect the dignity of Kenyans overseas and ensure a safe path home. The president stressed that the labor export program is about more than just statistics or the money sent back to families; it is about the government standing firmly behind its people, wherever they are in the world.
Source: NairobiWire.com | Read the Full Story…
