NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 13 – Kenya is seeking stronger safeguards to protect citizens seeking employment abroad, warning that labour mobility opportunities must not expose job seekers to fraudulent recruitment, exploitation and unfavourable working conditions.
The government says ethical recruitment, transparent employment contracts and effective worker protection mechanisms must guide the growing labour mobility cooperation between Kenya and Germany.
The concerns were raised during the Kenya-Germany Skills and Labour Mobility Forum in Nairobi, which brought together government officials, German employers, training institutions and development partners to discuss structured employment pathways between the two countries.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Secretary for Administration Moses Ivuto said prospective workers should be given adequate time to understand employment contracts before committing to overseas jobs.
“Fair recruitment must guide the entire process. Candidates must have sufficient time to read, understand and seek clarification on employment contracts before signing. They should also receive clear information about recruitment costs, their rights and the conditions under which they will work,” Ivuto said.
He said the State Department’s attestation of employment contracts before workers travel abroad was intended to verify employment conditions and safeguard their rights.
Ivuto also called for transparent recruitment procedures and accessible complaints mechanisms to ensure grievances are addressed promptly.
