On the evening of Monday, July 29, 2024, a group of Kenyan teachers bid farewell to their homeland as they departed for new teaching positions in the United States.
The occasion was marked by a formal send-off ceremony at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, presided over by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu.
This event follows the establishment of a policy and regulatory framework concerning teachers’ labor mobility, jointly agreed upon by the State Department of Diaspora Affairs and the Teachers Service Commission in February 2024.
The initiative has seen significant interest, with approximately 70 out of 150 applicants successfully securing teaching positions in American schools.
Private Companies Facilitate Teacher Placements
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs provided additional details about the process behind placing Kenyan teachers in U.S. schools. In a statement released shortly after the send-off ceremony, it was revealed that two companies played crucial roles in facilitating these placements.
“The recruitment was conducted by Consult Centre Limited, a National Employment Authority registered agency, in conjunction with PESUAR International Job Placement Consultancy, a diaspora-owned and registered recruitment agency in the US,” the statement explained.
Words of Encouragement and Caution
During the ceremony, Mudavadi took the opportunity to commend the global reputation of Kenyan workers, particularly highlighting their communication skills. He stated,
“You are good workers. You communicate very well, and this is why, comparatively, if you take a Kenyan in the Diaspora and some of our other colleagues from the continent, there’s an inclination to have a Kenyan as the favorite.”
However, Mudavadi also emphasized the importance of adapting to a new legal and cultural environment. He advised the departing teachers:
“Appreciate the laws in that country, and always remember that the moment you are on that plane and you land, you are now under a different jurisdiction, and therefore you must respect the laws and regulations of that land.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary further cautioned:
“Be very careful because you have to respect the code of ethics and regulations in those countries.”
Government’s Push for Foreign Employment Opportunities
This teacher deployment aligns with the Kenyan government’s broader initiative to create employment opportunities for its youth through various means, including labor export programs.
During a recent town hall meeting in Mombasa, President William Ruto announced ambitious plans in this direction:
“In the digital space of the Principal Secretary for Labour, there are currently 400,000 foreign jobs. We urge MPs to prepare the youth in their constituencies to take up the opportunities. The youth will get passports within a week and get free air tickets.”
Ruto also promised government support for those securing jobs abroad, including expedited passport processing and covered flight costs:
“I have planned that anyone who wants to go abroad for work is given a passport and other needed documents within a week. They will not need to pay for the air ticket, we shall pay for the ticket.”
Government Support and Future Considerations
While Mudavadi did not explicitly confirm President Ruto’s promises during the send-off ceremony, he acknowledged the significant travel costs incurred by the teachers. He assured them of the government’s support:
“I want to assure you that the government of Kenya will always be as supportive as it can be. Today, let me not rush and make any promises that I may not deliver. There is a famous saying that when you are in public space, promise what you can deliver and deliver what you promise but we have heard you that support is necessary in a number of areas.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary indicated that the government would explore ways to streamline visa acquisition processes and potentially assist with flight expenses in the future, stating, “We will reflect on it carefully as we go forward.”
As these Kenyan educators embark on their new journey, their experiences will likely shape future policies and support systems for Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Rigorous Selection Process
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi shed light on the stringent selection process that the teachers underwent. He revealed that the two companies subjected candidates to thorough interviews and tests.
Out of the initial pool of applicants, only 67 teachers successfully navigated this rigorous vetting process, ultimately securing their placements in U.S. schools.
Support Network in the U.S.
To further support the teachers, they were advised to reach out to Kenyan diplomatic missions in the United States should they encounter any difficulties. Kenya maintains an embassy in Washington D.C. and consulates in Los Angeles and New York, providing a network of support for Kenyans working and living in the U.S.
