KENYA plans to boost labour exports in order to enhance remittances from the diaspora, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
Simon Chelugui, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (pictured), told journalists in Nairobi that the number of Kenyans in the diaspora is estimated at four million and their remittances is below that of other African nations such as Egypt, Nigeria and Ghana.
Chelugui who spoke during the graduation of home-care management trainees said that the country’s focus is now on export of skilled labour which will attract better remuneration for Kenyan workers.
Data showed that the East African nation earned KSh309bn (about $2.9bn) in remittances in 2020.
Chelugui noted that labour migration has become an important policy issue because of the immense socio-economic benefits that it offers to both countries of origin and destination.
He said that while the government has invested heavily in mainstreaming labour migration, there are still challenges such as lack of adequate pre-departure training and orientation.