Kenya and the UK Partner to Enhance Protections for Migrant Workers

Kenya is strengthening its efforts to protect migrant workers through enhanced collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Labour Abuse Authority (LAA).

High-level discussions in London, led by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline K. Njogu, focused on combating labour exploitation, improving ethical recruitment practices, and supporting victims of trafficking. The talks signal a significant step in Kenya’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of its citizens working abroad.

By partnering with UK officials, the Kenyan government aims to bolster oversight mechanisms, ensure fair labour practices, and mitigate the risks associated with exploitative recruitment. This cooperation is expected to provide Kenyan workers with improved resources, information, and avenues for protection against common labour abuses.

"Our focus remains on the safety and dignity of our people," stated PS Njogu. "This collaboration strengthens our ability to eliminate exploitative recruitment while equipping migrant workers with the knowledge and protection they deserve."

The partnership aligns with Kenya's broader efforts to regulate labour recruitment, crack down on deceptive employment agencies, and prevent situations of forced labour or trafficking. One key outcome of the discussions was the development of strategies to enhance the monitoring of recruitment agencies. Kenyan officials and their UK counterparts agreed that tighter scrutiny of labour recruiters is necessary to curb fraudulent practices that often leave workers vulnerable to financial exploitation, particularly through excessive recruitment fees leading to debt bondage.

Additionally, both sides recognised the importance of educating Kenyan workers on their rights, ensuring they have access to critical information about fair wages, legal protections, and avenues for reporting abuse. The meeting, which is part of Kenya’s broader policy aimed at strengthening diaspora welfare programs, has laid the foundation for deeper collaborations between Kenyan and UK institutions to streamline information sharing. Improved transparency and real-time access to reports on labour conditions will allow Kenyan authorities to better track and respond to cases of worker mistreatment.

The Kenyan delegation emphasised that this effort is not just about intervention but also about prevention, ensuring potential migrants receive guidance before taking up employment opportunities abroad. Key government officials, including Ambassador Dr. Joseph Warui, Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenya High Commission in London, Ambassador Isaiah Kabira, Secretary for Skills, Investments, and Entrepreneurship, and legal expert Dick J. Safari, attended the meetings.

The cooperation between Kenya and the UK on labour rights is expected to yield long-term benefits, curbing immediate exploitation and setting a precedent for fair employment practices. Migrant workers, a significant part of Kenya’s economic and social fabric, contribute significantly to remittances that fuel domestic development. Consequently, ensuring their welfare is integral to the nation’s prosperity.

Looking ahead, the Kenyan government aims to reinforce its diaspora protection framework through continued engagements with global labour rights organisations, policymakers, and advocacy groups.