President William Ruto has announced sweeping reforms aimed at empowering Kenyans living and working abroad, from faster passport processing and safer recruitment systems to new investment opportunities that will strengthen their role in national development.
Highlights
- Passport processing for job-bound Kenyans cut from 3 months to 3 days.
- Over 600 rogue labour agencies have been deregistered.
- Deployment restricted to countries with formal labour agreements.
- Government pursuing new skilled job opportunities abroad.
- Plans underway for a diaspora bond and cheaper money transfers.
Main Story
Diaspora Empowerment Drive
Speaking in Doha, Qatar, during an engagement with the Kenyan diaspora community on the sidelines of the United Nations Social Development Summit, President William Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Kenyans abroad.
He revealed that the government has streamlined diaspora services, reducing passport processing time from three months to just three days for applicants who have confirmed job offers. The move, he said, aims to ensure that Kenyans can take up international employment opportunities without unnecessary delays.
Protecting Kenyan Workers Abroad
To safeguard workers, the President disclosed that over 600 unlicensed labour recruitment agencies have been deregistered, adding that deployment is now strictly limited to nations with formal bilateral labour agreements.
Ruto emphasized that these reforms are designed to protect Kenyan workers from exploitation and ensure they work under fair, regulated conditions.
He added that the government is negotiating new bilateral agreements to open up professional and skilled job markets for Kenyans abroad, allowing young people to gain valuable experience and bring back expertise that can boost Kenya’s economy.
Cheaper Remittances, Bigger Investments
President Ruto also outlined plans to make it cheaper and easier for Kenyans in the diaspora to send money home. He mentioned that the government is exploring new investment instruments, including a diaspora bond, to channel remittances into national development projects.
“These initiatives will help us strengthen the diaspora’s contribution to the economy while giving them a stake in Kenya’s growth story,” he said.
As Kenya deepens its engagement with the diaspora, the message is clear wherever Kenyans go, their success remains vital to the nation’s progress.
