Prime CS Mudavadi Flags Off First Batch of Teachers to the US

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.

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,

However, Mudavadi also emphasized the importance of adapting to a new legal and cultural environment. He advised the departing teachers:

The Prime Cabinet Secretary further cautioned:

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:

Ruto also promised government support for those securing jobs abroad, including expedited passport processing and covered flight costs:

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:

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.