President William Ruto has announced sweeping reforms targeting Kenya’s labour migration system, promising faster passport processing, tighter regulation of recruitment agencies, and better job deals for Kenyans working abroad.
Speaking in Doha, Qatar, after meeting Kenyans living there, Ruto said the government had slashed passport processing time for those with confirmed job offers abroad — from three months to just three days.
He said the move is part of a wider plan to ease access to overseas employment and boost Kenya’s global workforce presence.
“We are empowering Kenyans in the diaspora to thrive and contribute to national growth,” Ruto said. “We have streamlined diaspora services to help them take up new opportunities abroad more quickly.”
The President also revealed that over 600 rogue labour agencies have been deregistered to protect Kenyan workers from exploitation.
He said only agencies operating under countries with official bilateral labour agreements would now be allowed to deploy workers.
Ruto explained that his administration is pursuing new labour and skills partnerships to secure high-paying, professional jobs for Kenyans overseas.
He added that such opportunities would not only uplift workers’ incomes but also help them acquire advanced skills and experience to bring back home.
On the financial front, Ruto said the government is exploring new ways to make remittances cheaper and faster, acknowledging the diaspora as one of Kenya’s strongest economic pillars.
He revealed that plans are underway to introduce a diaspora bond to allow Kenyans abroad to invest directly in national development projects.
The engagement in Qatar took place on the sidelines of the United Nations Social Development Summit, where Ruto praised the diaspora for their resilience and growing contribution to Kenya’s economy.
Remittances from Kenyans abroad reached over $4 billion last year — the highest in East Africa.