Kenya Gov't to Launch Major Crackdown of Illegal Immigrants, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i Says

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i says government will later this month launch a major crackdown of illegal immigrants and foreign workers in the country.

Speaking on Tuesday, Matiang'i said 31 foreigners with fake Kenyan work permits have so far been arrested in the ongoing fresh verification and registration exercise of foreign citizens working in the country. Also nabbed are three brokers masquerading as work permit issuance officers.

Matiang'i said the exercise, which commenced on May 22nd will conclude July 22nd after which a major operation to flush out illegal foreign workers and immigrants in the country will be launched.

He warned that anyone found without valid permits after July 22nd will face various forms of removal including repatriation and deportation. He said some the foreign citizens in the country are holding low cadre jobs that can be taken up by Kenyans.

“We shall not allow work permits for people who want to work in fields which Kenyans can… We will only allow those with expertise which is rare in Kenya,” said Matiang’i.

He added: “We are making amendments on how illegal immigrants will be facilitating their own resources.”