Australia has emerged as the leading destination for Kenyan job seekers abroad, surpassing Saudi Arabia and Germany in the number of employment opportunities being offered.
According to the Daily Nation, data from Kenya’s Ministry of Labour shows that Australia has significantly increased recruitment of Kenyan professionals and skilled workers in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and agriculture. This surge is linked to the country’s expanding labor shortage and deliberate efforts to attract foreign workers through immigration reforms.
Business Daily reported that Saudi Arabia, which has long dominated as the top employer of Kenyan migrant workers, particularly domestic staff, is gradually losing ground as more Kenyans shift towards professional and skilled placements in developed economies.
Australia’s appeal lies in its higher wages, better working conditions, and stronger legal protections for workers, making it more attractive compared to Middle Eastern countries where cases of exploitation have frequently been reported.
According to The Standard, Germany has also stepped up efforts to recruit Kenyan workers, especially in healthcare, but has been outpaced by Australia’s more aggressive hiring programs.
Analysts note that Kenya’s youth bulge and rising unemployment rates at home are driving more people to seek opportunities abroad, with Australia’s streamlined visa processes giving it an edge over European rivals.
The Star highlighted that the Kenyan government is now engaging directly with Canberra to formalize structured labor migration agreements to safeguard workers’ rights and maximize remittance inflows.
Remittances from Kenyans abroad remain a key pillar of the economy, contributing over Ksh600 billion annually, and policymakers are keen to diversify the destinations beyond traditional Middle Eastern markets.
Labour migration experts warn, however, that Kenya must strengthen pre-departure training and worker protection frameworks to avoid cases of mistreatment even in developed countries.
They argue that while the shift towards Australia and Europe presents an economic opportunity, proper oversight will be critical to ensuring that Kenyan workers benefit fully from the transition.
Source: Business Daily
Written By Ian Maleve
