President William Ruto has announced that the government has deregistered more than 600 labour recruitment agencies accused of exploiting Kenyans seeking jobs overseas.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 4, during a meeting with Kenyans living in Qatar on the sidelines of the United Nations Social Development Summit, Ruto said the crackdown is part of wide-ranging reforms aimed at cleaning up Kenya’s labour migration sector.
“To safeguard Kenyan workers, more than 600 rogue labour agencies have been deregistered,” Ruto said. “Deployment is now limited to countries with formal bilateral labour agreements with Kenya.”
The President said the government’s goal is to ensure that Kenyan workers abroad are treated with dignity and fairness while reducing cases of mistreatment and abuse.
He noted that only vetted agencies working under government supervision will be allowed to recruit workers for approved destinations.
Ruto added that his administration is negotiating new labour accords to open up more skilled and professional job opportunities abroad. “These agreements will help Kenyan youth access better-paying jobs, acquire advanced skills, and bring home valuable experience,” he said.
He also revealed that the government has streamlined diaspora services, particularly in travel documentation. Passport processing for Kenyans with confirmed foreign job offers, he said, has been reduced from three months to just three days.
“These efforts are part of a broader plan to empower Kenyans living and working abroad to thrive and contribute to national development,” Ruto said, adding that the government is working to make it cheaper and faster for Kenyans abroad to remit money home.
The President further highlighted plans for a proposed diaspora bond, which would provide investment channels for Kenyans abroad while helping to finance national projects.
Ruto also praised the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, established in 2022, for improving engagement between the government and citizens abroad.
He commended Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu for handling consular matters and responding to distress cases involving Kenyans in foreign countries such as Lebanon.
“I am very proud that the diaspora department has created a better relationship between Kenyans in the diaspora and Kenyans back at home,” he said. “I am prepared to see what we can add to better the engagement, to serve you better.”
The President emphasized that his administration remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Kenyan workers globally, acknowledging their growing economic contribution.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, remittances from Kenyans abroad remain the country’s leading source of foreign exchange, surpassing earnings from tourism, tea, and horticulture.
Ruto urged Kenyans in Qatar to take advantage of the new systems being established to enhance their participation in national growth. “Your contribution to Kenya’s economy is significant, and we value your role. We want your engagement with the country to be more meaningful and productive,” he said.
