Kenya's ambitious initiative to send teachers abroad has gained significant traction with the government sending the first batch of teachers to the US.

Ambassador Isaiya Kabira, serving as the Secretary of Investments and Entrepreneurship, yesterday presided over a farewell ceremony for the inaugural group of educators destined for the United States. This move is in line with the State Department of Diaspora Affairs' commitment to enhancing the welfare of Kenyans living overseas and providing comprehensive support during their transition period.

“In line with the mandate of the State Department of Diaspora Affairs to promote the welfare of the Kenyan diaspora, the recruitment initiative offers comprehensive support during the transition period through pre-departure sessions,” the statement from the Department reads.

The State Department has indicated that more teachers will be deployed to various countries in the near future. This follows a February 2024 assessment that highlighted an increasing demand for Kenyan educators both within Africa and beyond. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Kenya Kwanza administration to export workers to countries with which Kenya has established bilateral labour agreements, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.

On February 3, 500 migrant workers were sent abroad, further demonstrating the government's commitment to this strategy. The department lauds the shift as a significant departure from overseas employment that saw a majority of Kenyans accepting unskilled or semi-skilled positions. President William Ruto has reiterated his ambitious plan to export up to 5,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers on a weekly basis. This goal not only showcases Kenya's growing pool of talented individuals but also positions the country as a significant player in the global skilled labour market.

Meanwhile, Kenyans have raised inquiries about the nature and implications of the government's negotiations for Bilateral Labour Agreements with multiple countries. The National Employment Authority Integrated Management (NEAIMS) platform currently showcases thousands of job openings spanning diverse sectors. Kenyans lament that many roles involve service-oriented tasks like housekeeping, caregiving, and maintenance with few opportunities for more specialized positions.

Many Kenyans express unease that those accepting jobs abroad may receive lower remuneration compared to their counterparts from other nations. Beyond pay disparities, some citizens have questioned the prudence of the government's agreements with countries where Kenyans have previously faced harm or lost their lives.