The Kenyan government has introduced a new pre-departure curriculum for citizens seeking employment in Middle Eastern countries. The announcement was made on Thursday, February 9th during a consultative meeting with private recruitment agencies and home care providers. The Labour and Social Protection Principal Secretary (PS), Geoffrey Kaituko, revealed that the new curriculum would focus on basic Arabic and Saudi cultures, with the aim of solving 90% of the problems faced by migrants.
Streamlining Support for Kenyan Migrant Workers
In a move to better protect the rights and well-being of its citizens abroad, the Kenyan government has taken steps to streamline support for migrant workers. In September 2022, President William Ruto established the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, and in October, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua held a meeting with employment agents to address the challenges faced by Kenyans working overseas.
The government has now promised to form a 15-member committee, consisting of key stakeholders, to review the sector on a monthly basis, with an annual general meeting to assess progress. During the recent consultative meeting, PS Kaituko emphasized the importance of learning basic Arabic and Saudi cultures as a crucial aspect of the new pre-departure curriculum. The Kenyan government’s efforts to improve the situation of its citizens in the diaspora align with its commitment to protecting the well-being of its citizens abroad.
