ILO, Kenyan officials push for fair and regulated labour migration

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has urged journalists to play a key role in promoting safe, regular, and fair labour migration as more Kenyans seek opportunities abroad.

Speaking during the media breakfast meeting hosted by the ILO under the Better Regional Migration Management programme at the Serena Hotel, Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime highlighted the growing number of Kenyans securing overseas jobs.

He stressed the need for proper safeguards to prevent exploitation and promote fair recruitment practices.

“In the past three years alone, over 150,000 Kenyans have accessed jobs abroad through formal channels, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are employed under safe conditions, with fair pay and opportunities to acquire skills for reintegration,” Mwadime said.

He added that the government is focused on quality opportunities that protect workers’ rights and provide support for professional and personal growth.

“But we’re not just pushing for numbers — we want Kenyans to access quality jobs that provide fair pay, proper skills development, and a structured pathway to return home and invest their experience in the local economy,” he said.

ILO Chief Technical Advisor Aida Awel urged journalists to play a more active role in raising awareness about labour migration issues.

She said accurate reporting is key to protecting Kenyan workers and promoting informed public debate.

“The media plays a powerful role in shaping public understanding of migration, ensuring that citizens know the risks, legal pathways, and protections available, while helping authorities counter misinformation and prevent exploitation of migrant workers,” Awel said.

NEA Corporate Communications Officer Jackline Kamau reminded jobseekers to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies before committing to jobs abroad.

“Before signing any contract or travelling abroad, Kenyans should confirm that the recruitment agency is registered and authorized by NEA, as this is the only way to ensure they are protected against fraud, abuse, and illegal practices,” Kamau said.

Officials from the Ministry of Labour, employers, and workers’ representatives highlighted ongoing policy and institutional measures to improve labour migration governance.

They emphasized the importance of partnering with the media to reach wider audiences.

The ILO BRMM programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, supports Kenya in strengthening policies, fair recruitment practices, and regional coordination to make labour migration safer, more transparent, and rights-based.