Werner Denies Recruiting Kenyan Truck Drivers After Agreement Between Kenya and Nebraska

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-11 14:50 EAT. Werner Enterprises has rejected claims that it is recruiting Kenyan truck drivers to work in the United States. The denial follows a labour mobility memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the governments of Kenya and the U.S. state of Nebraska. (kenyans.co.ke)

1) The Latest

• What happened now: Werner Enterprises issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter) clarifying that it has not signed or discussed any agreement to recruit Kenyan drivers. The company called any claims to that effect “false.” (kenyans.co.ke)

• Why it matters: The statement comes amid public uproar from American workers fearing job displacement, and among Kenyan job seekers hoping for overseas opportunities. False expectations could damage trust in government or private initiatives.

• Status: Confirmed by Werner; public debate continues.

2) Context in Brief

• Earlier in September 2025, Kenya and Nebraska signed a Labour Mobility & Diaspora Support MoU aimed at creating legal employment pathways in sectors like healthcare and transportation. (kenyans.co.ke)

• During the MoU signing, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen stated that some Kenyan drivers might be trained partly in Kenya, then complete training in Nebraska—but he did not name Werner or any company. This has been interpreted by some online sources to imply a link. (kenyans.co.ke)

• Analysts say MoUs often provide frameworks, not specific contractual recruiting commitments.

3) Law, Policy, and Process

• Mandates:

  • Kenya’s State Department for Diaspora Affairs handles labour mobility agreements and diaspora policy.

  • U.S. state governments coordinate immigration, visa, and labour rules based on federal and state laws.

• What should happen next per policy:

  • Clarification of which companies are involved in pathways under the MoU.

  • Transparent communication from government to manage public expectations.

  • Legal and regulatory clarity on how Kenyan drivers might meet U.S. standards (licensing, training, visas) if involved in the future.

4) Voices and Stakeholders

• Werner Enterprises (via company statement): “Werner has not signed or discussed any agreement for the recruitment of Kenyan truck drivers to the United States … Any claims suggesting otherwise are just false.” (kenyans.co.ke)

• Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen: During the MoU signing, Evnen said some Kenyans may do partial training locally and finish training in Nebraska. He did not confirm any company involvement. (kenyans.co.ke)

• Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu: Supported the MoU as a means to create legal work pathways. (kenyans.co.ke)

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks and Implications

• Misinformation risk: False claims may inflame tensions between local and foreign worker groups, mislead job seekers.

• Policy credibility: If government or MoU-implementers are vague, trust can erode among diaspora and employers.

• Labour supply & regulation: If pathways are implemented, they will require regulatory, licensing, immigration work to align standards.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Whether any U.S. or private companies have expressed interest in hiring under the MoU.

• Details on visa, training, licensing for Kenyan drivers under possible future agreements.

• The timelines for implementing the MoU, including pilot programs.

• Conditions under which Kenyan drivers might be eligible (language, experience, background checks).

8) Timeline

• 4 September 2025: MoU signed between Kenya and Nebraska to explore legal employment pathways. (kenyans.co.ke)

• 9 September 2025: Speculation spreads on social media that Werner is recruiting Kenyan drivers.

• 10 September 2025: Werner Enterprises issues statement denying involvement.

9) What to Watch

• Any future announcements naming specific companies taking part in MoU-implementations.

• Clarifying regulations or government rulings that define how labour mobility under the MoU will operate.

• Reactions from trucker unions in the U.S. and Kenya.

• Monitoring for any proposed pilot schemes or training programs tied to this MoU.