Committee on diaspora affairs and migrant workers engages with labour ministry.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.

The Select Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant workers chaired by Taita Taveta County MP, Hon. Lydia Haika, earlier today met with the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Hon. Florence Bore.
The Ministry appeared before the Committee to give a status update on the Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLAs) and the recruitment of nurses to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

In her presentation, Hon. Bore Said that the Ministry has so far secured an order of 2500 nurses who are to be facilitated by a private employment agency to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

According to the CS, the Ministry placed an advert and received a total of 1,765 applications, 880 being female and 885 male, out of which, 586 candidates met the qualifications and are ready for further interviews awaiting travel.

“The shortfall in applications for the vacancies has been attributed to the low perception of the salary offer amongst applicants and the requirements for a 90-day bonding period for the Private Recruitment Agency facilitating the process,” explained Hon. Bore

She further added that the Ministry has signed four BLAs and an additional 21 BLAs have been developed. 
“This will ensure that Kenyan migrant workers enjoy similar rights as the Nationals in the Country of Destination.” Said Hon. Bore

Following an inquiry into the Private Recruitment Agencies that the Committee launched in early March, issues of corruption and bureaucracy at the service labour Desk at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) emerged. Committee Members also sought to know how the Ministry intends to the issues reported, to avoid frustrations of migrant workers at the exit point. 

In her response, Hon. Bore said that the Ministry Strives to ensure the safety and order of all migrant workers. She explained that it’s procedural for all documents to be checked and verified before travelling, emphasizing that this is in no way meant to frustrate travelers. 

The Committee Chair Hon. Haika told the Ministry that their engagements will continue adding that the welfare of migrant workers should be considered.