Imagine being promised a dream job abroad, only to fall victim to a fraudulent recruitment agency. Sadly, this has been the reality for many Kenyans seeking opportunities overseas. But here's the game-changer: President William Ruto has announced a bold crackdown on this issue, revealing that over 600 rogue job agencies have been deregistered. This move, shared during his engagement with the Kenyan diaspora in Doha, Qatar, on November 5, 2025, is part of a broader effort to protect and empower Kenyan workers globally.
In a candid conversation with Kenyans living abroad, President Ruto emphasized that the government is overhauling the labor migration sector to ensure safety, dignity, and fairness. And this is the part most people miss: the deregistration of these agencies is just the tip of the iceberg. The government is now restricting labor deployment to countries with formal bilateral agreements with Kenya, a step aimed at safeguarding workers’ rights in foreign lands.
“To protect our citizens, we’ve deregistered more than 600 fraudulent labor agencies, and we’re limiting deployment to countries with formal agreements,” Ruto stated. This, he explained, will ensure Kenyan workers are not only protected but also treated with the respect they deserve.
But here's where it gets controversial: while these measures are a step in the right direction, some argue that the focus should also be on creating more opportunities within Kenya itself. What do you think? Is the government doing enough to address the root causes of labor migration, or is this just a band-aid solution?
Moving forward, Ruto’s administration is negotiating new labor agreements to secure skilled and professional job opportunities abroad. These agreements are designed to help Kenyan youth access better-paying jobs, gain advanced skills, and return home with valuable experience. For instance, imagine a young Kenyan engineer gaining international expertise and then contributing to Kenya’s infrastructure development upon return—a win-win scenario.
The government has also streamlined diaspora services, significantly reducing passport processing times for Kenyans with confirmed job offers from three months to just three days. Additionally, efforts are underway to make remittances cheaper and more accessible, acknowledging the substantial economic contribution of the diaspora.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: With the proposed diaspora bond and other investment avenues, is the government doing enough to harness the full potential of Kenyans abroad, or are there untapped opportunities still waiting to be explored?
President Ruto reiterated his commitment to strengthening ties with the diaspora, highlighting the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs. He praised Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu for her role in addressing consular issues and supporting Kenyans in distress abroad, citing recent interventions in Lebanon and other countries.
“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in bridging the gap between Kenyans abroad and those at home,” Ruto said. “But we’re not stopping here. We’re ready to do more to serve you better.”
To Kenyans in Qatar, he acknowledged their significant economic contributions and encouraged them to leverage the new systems and opportunities being created. The government, he assured, will continue to prioritize the welfare of Kenyan workers globally while promoting their role in national growth.
Final food for thought: As Kenya takes these steps to protect and empower its diaspora, how can individuals and communities abroad actively participate in shaping these policies? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts in the comments below!
