The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening structured labour migration as a central pillar of its economic agenda, with a focus on creating opportunities for the youth, safeguarding Kenyan workers abroad, and converting remittances into long-term investments that fuel national growth.
Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary (PS), Shadrack Mwadime, says that Kenya’s policy is anchored on circular migration, where workers take up short-term contracts abroad, acquire skills and savings, and return home to help grow the economy.
“We don’t want permanent migration. We want our youth to go out there, learn advanced technologies, save, and return as investors. Savings equal investment,” explained Mwadime, describing Kenyans working overseas as ‘economic foot soldiers’ who should return with both capital and knowledge.
The PS was speaking in Nairobi during a media briefing on enhancing reporting of migration issues, where he emphasised that migration should be pitched as an economic opportunity rather than a political issue.
He observed that 75 percent of Kenya’s population is under the age of 35, meaning the country will remain youthful for nearly a century and hold an advantage over ageing economies in the West.
Mwadime cited China and South Korea as examples of countries that benefited from sending young people abroad.
“China invested in sending its youth to Ivy League universities 40 years ago, while South Korea sent workers to Japan and Germany. Today both countries are global competitors. Kenya must take a similar path,” he asserted.
Notably, the PS disclosed that Kenyans abroad remitted 5 billion US dollars (about Sh600 billion) in 2024, up from Sh4.3 billion the previous year. This, he said, accounted for five percent of the country’s savings.
“If we doubled this to 10 percent, it would equal a quarter of our national budget. That is why structured migration is not optional; it is strategic,” he stressed.
Mwadime further announced that government reforms are focusing on strengthening the impact of remittances by introducing diaspora bonds, tax incentives, and investment packages to encourage Kenyans overseas to channel their savings into productive ventures.
He reiterated that the government’s responsibility is to guarantee a high return on investment, so that Kenyans abroad will opt to invest at home rather than in host countries.
In addition, the PS pointed out that the state is also safeguarding workers’ welfare by negotiating Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLAs) with major economies.
“Kenya is the only country in Africa that has signed a BLA with Germany and Brazil. We also have agreements in place with Austria and the UK on health workers. These agreements are not limited to domestic workers but also cover skilled professionals,” he said.
Mwadime at the same time addressed concerns about brain drain, arguing that migration should instead be seen as brain gain.
“When our young people return with skills and technology from advanced economies, they strengthen our industries. Migration is not a loss; it is an investment in knowledge transfer,” he affirmed.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) Chief Technical Advisor for the Better Regional Migration Management Programme, Aida Awel, who also addressed the media briefing, urged journalists to present migration in a balanced way by reporting on both its benefits and challenges.
Awel noted that migration is often portrayed negatively in the Press, focusing only on abuse cases yet it contributes significantly to development.
“In 2024, remittances to Kenya surpassed tea and tourism earnings, reaching nearly Sh600 billion. This proves migration is a lifeline for families and a driver of growth for the country,” she revealed.
However, the ILO official stated that while migrants contribute to economies, they remain vulnerable to forced labour, debt bondage, racism, and exploitation, particularly when recruitment agencies are unregulated.
“Abuse often begins at home when workers are overcharged before departure. Once indebted, they are trapped in exploitative jobs abroad,” she explained.
Awel recalled that during the Covid-19 pandemic, migrants were among the first to lose their jobs and many were left stranded, highlighting their vulnerability in times of crisis.
She added that domestic workers, construction labourers, and agricultural employees often face higher risks of abuse.
Awel however noted that Kenya is not only a country of origin but also a destination and transit country, benefiting from the contribution of migrants who live and work locally.
She commended Kenya for ratifying ILO Conventions 97 and 143 on migrant workers and advancing the frameworks under the African Union and East African Community. However, she stressed the need for implementation.
“Kenya is taking the lead in structured migration, but policies must translate into real protection for workers,” Awel stated.
She reminded the media of its central role in shaping public perception reiterating that, “Migrants are not just victims. Many are success stories who support their families and economies. Balanced reporting is key in creating awareness and countering stereotypes.”
Meanwhile, ILO Communications Officer Yonas Berhane, who presented a media toolkit at the event, said the resource was developed with journalists and the International Federation of Journalists in collaboration with the ILO to guide ethical and fact-based reporting on migration.
He highlighted studies which show that migrants boost GDP, create jobs, and pay more in taxes than they consume but unfortunately, negative stereotypes dominate media coverage.
Berhane insisted that journalists must underscore both the challenges and the contributions of migrants.
The Communications Officer clarified that the toolkit is aimed at helping media practitioners counter xenophobia, racism, and stigma in migration coverage.
He urged reporters to avoid sensationalism and instead highlight how migrants support their families and national economies.
“Migrant workers are not just statistics. Their voices matter, but their dignity must always be safeguarded,” stressed Berhane, pleading that migration stories be handled with care.
Participants at the meeting underscored that a well-managed migration system is vital to Kenya’s development.
Even as the government focuses on protecting workers and increasing remittances and the ILO champions fair recruitment and balanced reporting, the media has been urged to amplify both the opportunities and risks of migration.
By Naif Rashid
