In a decisive move to protect its citizens working abroad, Kenya's National Assembly has approved the Sessional Paper No. 5 of 2023 on the National Policy on Labour Migration. This policy aims to create a safe, orderly, and productive framework for Kenyans seeking employment overseas, a sector vital to the nation's economy but fraught with tales of abuse and exploitation.

The new framework is a direct response to the escalating challenges faced by Kenyan migrant workers, particularly in the Middle East. For years, harrowing reports of physical abuse, passport confiscation, and unpaid wages have made headlines, prompting calls for robust government intervention. A study highlighted that over 98% of Kenyans returning from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reported experiencing conditions indicative of forced labour.

Why This Policy Matters Now

This legislative approval is not just procedural; it's a lifeline. It seeks to formalize a sector that contributes significantly to Kenya's foreign exchange earnings, with diaspora remittances hitting a record KES 1 trillion as of November 2025. These funds are crucial, often surpassing traditional exports like tea and tourism, directly supporting families, funding education, and fueling local investments. The policy intends to maximize these economic benefits while minimizing the human cost.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore emphasized that the government is committed to ethical recruitment and has been developing a comprehensive curriculum to equip migrants with essential skills and knowledge before they travel. The policy's main objective is to promote inclusive and sustainable development by safeguarding the human and labour rights of Kenyan workers abroad.

Cracking Down on Rogue Agents

A cornerstone of the new policy is the stringent regulation of private employment agencies, which have often been implicated in the exploitation of vulnerable job seekers. The government has recently intensified its crackdown, with President William Ruto confirming the deregistration of over 600 rogue agencies to protect Kenyans from fraudulent schemes. Key provisions of the policy and the supporting Labour Migration Management Bill include:

• Enhanced Vetting: Stricter registration and licensing requirements for all recruitment agencies.
• Pre-Departure Training: Mandatory orientation for all migrant workers on their rights, local laws, and cultural norms in destination countries.
• Data & Coordination: Establishing a comprehensive database of migrant workers to improve monitoring and assistance.
• Bilateral Agreements: Prioritizing labour exportation only to countries that have signed formal labour agreements with Kenya to protect workers' rights.

A Future of Dignified Work

While the policy provides a much-needed framework, its success will hinge on rigorous implementation and enforcement. Stakeholders like the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) have lauded the move but continue to advocate for government-to-government agreements over the use of private agencies, which they argue can facilitate modern-day slavery. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has also been a key partner, working with the government to ensure humane and orderly migration. As Kenya seeks to expand job opportunities for its youth globally, this policy marks a critical step towards ensuring that the pursuit of a better livelihood does not come at the cost of human dignity.