Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-27 21:00:00
In 2020, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) revealed that the global migrant workforce consisted of 281 million individuals. In Kenya, it is estimated that the population will reach around 63.9 million by 2030, with 22.3 million falling in the 15-34 age range. This demographic shift suggests that approximately 40 per cent of Kenya’s population will be youth by 2030, leading to a high demand for jobs in an economy that is shrinking.
The Kenyan Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has noted a substantial labour force in Middle Eastern countries, with approximately 80,000 Kenyan migrants in Saudi Arabia and 60,000 in the United Arab Emirates, many of whom are employed in domestic labour.
Recognizing that these figures may be underestimated due to the prevalence of irregular and undocumented migrants, the National Employment Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 has been introduced as a means to secure the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers abroad. The bill introduces a new part (Part IX) into the existing National Employment Authority Act, titled ‘overseas & migrant workers’, in direct response to the challenges faced by Kenyans working overseas.
The main objective of the bill is to ensure that Kenyan workers are only deployed to countries where their rights are protected, and it outlines a ‘deployment criteria’ that must be considered before facilitating deployment of Kenyans to any country. The bill also mandates the issuance of travel advisories to educate individuals about labour conditions and human rights standards in countries offering overseas employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the bill creates a licensing regime for recruiters of overseas workers and establishes a levy imposed on licensed recruiters. This fund is designated specifically for emergency repatriation or the return of the remains of overseas workers, providing a safety net crucial for their protection in times of need.
The amendments proposed in the bill aim to protect and safeguard Kenyan workers wherever they may be in the world, addressing the overlooked and unheard needs of the population. It represents a step towards providing legislative framework for the welfare of Kenyan workers abroad, ensuring their safety and well-being.
