The Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee met with officials from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection led by the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Florence Bore, on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Parliament Buildings.

The Ministry officials appeared before the Committee chaired by Hon. Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta) to give a response on the status of Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLAs) and the recruitment of nurses to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Hon. Bore told the Committee that the Ministry secured an order for 2,500 nurses who were to be facilitated by a private employment agency to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The Ministry placed an advertisement and we received a total of 1,765 applications, 880 being female and 885 male. Out of his number 586 candidates met the qualifications and are ready for further interviews awaiting travel,” she said.

She further explained that the shortfall in applications for the vacancies had 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.

The CS also told the Committee that the Ministry had signed four BLAs and an additional 21 BLAs have been developed.

According to her, this will ensure that Kenyan migrant workers enjoy similar rights as the nationals in the Country of destination.

Following an inquiry into the Private Recruitment Agencies that the Committee launched in early March 2024, issues of corruption and bureaucracy at the service labour desk at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) emerged. As a result, Members wanted to know how the Ministry would handle that to avoid frustrations with the migrant workers who are travelling.

In her response, Hon. Bore said that the Ministry strives to ensure the safety and order of all migrant workers. She added that all documents needed to be checked and verified before travelling.