In a recent push to secure the financial future of Kenyans working overseas, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has put forward a proposal that would require these workers to maintain bank accounts in Kenya. The initiative aims to help them save for retirement through contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Speaking at a forum with employment agencies, Mutua emphasized the importance of this savings scheme, noting that it would provide a safety net for workers when their contracts end or if they face unexpected challenges abroad. “We want to ensure that our citizens who work hard overseas have something to fall back on when they return home,” Mutua stated.

This proposal comes as part of a broader government strategy to enhance the country’s remittances by facilitating more Kenyans to secure employment opportunities abroad. The government has set an ambitious target of sending 250,000 Kenyans to work abroad each year.

Additionally, Mutua addressed several critical issues raised by the employment agencies, including concerns over the holding of passports by agencies in Saudi Arabia, which has been a contentious issue for many migrant workers. He firmly warned that the practice of holding workers’ passports beyond the processing of travel documents is illegal and must be stopped.

To further protect Kenyan workers abroad, Mutua announced plans to establish a direct communication hotline and implement stricter vetting processes for recruitment agencies. The Ministry also recently operationalized a labor migration desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to ensure that all migrant workers comply with pre-departure procedures, aimed at curbing irregular migration and unethical recruitment practices.

As these measures are rolled out, the government hopes to create a more secure and streamlined system for Kenyans seeking employment opportunities overseas.