The government through the State Department for Foreign Affairs led by Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi has announced plans to increase diaspora remittance to Ksh1 trillion by 2027.
In a statement made on August 29, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi highlighted that Kenyans abroad sent home Ksh671 billion last year, surpassing the nation’s traditional income from tea and coffee.
“Last year Kenyans working abroad sent home Ksh671 billion which was bigger than the traditional foreign income earners of tea and coffee combined signaling the new cash cow for the country,” read the statement in part.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to creating job opportunities, which would enable more Kenyans to work overseas and contribute to the said 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,” said Mudavadi.
Mudavadi Highlights the Impact of Youth Employment on The Nation
The Prime CS highlighted the major role employment of youth abroad is in enhancing the nation’s foreign revenue as well as improving the livelihoods of families nationwide.
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“If we do not continue to build diaspora remittances as a major resource, we risk a run on the Kenyan shilling,” he warned.
Additionally, Mudavadi noted the rising demand for Kenyan workers globally due to their exceptional work ethic and language proficiency, citing examples of Kenyans employed in international call centers and on cruise ships earning large salaries.
“We have some Kenyans working in cruises and they are earning an upward of Ksh250,000 to Ksh400,000 which is a tidy sum for you Kenyans,” said Mudavadi.
He urged the youth to maintain high levels of discipline and respect the laws of host countries so as to uphold Kenya’s reputation.
“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 said that Kenyans have been performing well globally, and that it was essential to maintain the same level of discipline so as to elevate the country’s reputation further and ensure that the Kenyan workforce is highly respected.
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How The Govt Plans to Tackel the Issue of Fake Employment Agencies
The CS made his remarks at the Kazi Majuu Job Fair in Vihiga County, an event aimed at connecting young Kenyans with potential employers.
Mudavadi was joined by various government officials who emphasized the importance of legitimate employment agencies and the need for expedited processing of passports for job seekers.
While making her remarks Diaspora PS Roseline Njogu expressed the government’s commitment towards weeding out fake employment agencies by ensuring that all of them are registered under the National Employment Authority (NEA).
She urged the youth to remain vigilant and verify the credibility of agencies through the website. “Stay woke and do not be duped by rogue agencies,” she cautioned.
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