20/09/2024
๐๐ง๐ก๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ฒ๐๐ง๐ฌ
The National Employment Authority (NEA) is happy to announce a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at improving the recruitment and deployment processes for Kenyans seeking employment abroad. These initiatives stem from extensive consultations with local and international stakeholders, designed to enhance the efficiency and integrity of Kenya's labour migration system.
๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฌ
A significant change is the introduction of a streamlined registration system for employment agencies. Effective September 23, 2024, the initial registration certificate for new agencies will be valid for one year at a cost of Ksh 500,000. Existing agencies can renew their registration for two years at Ksh 500,000 or opt for a one-year renewal at Ksh 250,000. These adjustments simplify the licensing process and ensure compliance with legal standards, supported by an enhanced compliance section within the NEA.
๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐ซ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฎ๐, ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฒ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐ (๐๐๐๐) with NEA and National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) officials, as well as representatives from Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) and homecare training institutions. Dr Mutua was accompanied at the event by the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Labour, Shadrach Mwadime, the Director-General of the National Employment Authority, Edith Okoki, and the Acting Director-General of NITA, Teresa Wasike. Dr. Mutua reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering a supportive business environment.
During the meeting, he announced initiatives to strengthen the operational capabilities of employment agencies. While acknowledging the many reputable agencies in the sector, he assured participants that any agencies involved in fraudulent activities would be thoroughly investigated. He also addressed the issue of migration fees, clarifying that individuals seeking employment abroad should not bear these costs.
๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ง๐ก๐๐ง๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ
The NEA has introduced systems to streamline the registration process for employment agencies, enhancing overall efficiency. Collaborating closely with NITA, there will be timely training for job seekers. Notably, domestic workers with prior Gulf experience will be exempt from certain training requirements, facilitating their return to work more swiftly. To further support this initiative, a model house will be established in Mombasa, and subsequently in Nairobi, replicating an Arabic home environment to better prepare domestic workers for employment in countries like Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the cost of home care and pre-departure training will be capped at Ksh 14,000, ensuring affordability.
Medical assessments for job seekers will be conducted at designated institutions based on negotiations with host countries. Dr Mutua emphasized that all job seekers will have equal access to opportunities, aiming to facilitate at least 10,000 placements per week. Compliance requirements will include timely registration through the NEAMIS system, with a two-week deadline for registration and a processing time of no more than 30 days.
๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ
The meeting also highlighted recent bilateral labour agreements, including one with Germany, aimed at facilitating the placement of skilled personnel in international markets.
