The government has announced plans to start employing Kenyans in the diaspora for their missions instead of sending Kenyans from the country.
Speaking to Kenyans living in Sydney, Australia, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the move is aimed at reducing government expenditure.
“I shared with them that as part of my strategy to reduce the cost of running missions, we will be hiring Kenyans residing in the countries where we have missions to work for us, instead of exporting staff from Nairobi,” Mutua said.
“I encouraged the Kenyans to work together and support each other. I thank them for coming to the function organized and moderated very well by the Kenyan High Commission in Australia. I also recognize the brilliant work by the State Department of Diaspora.”
Mutua also promised to address alleged harassment of Kenyans at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Kenya Revenue Authority officials.
“They complained of harassment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where gifts for their families are confiscated on arrival. I agreed with them that this is an area that KRA will have to change and adapt to international best practices for arriving guests,” Mutua stated.
Mutua also promised to hold bilateral talks with Australia to allow Kenyans to work in the country as seasonal workers.
“We also discussed my plans for a bilateral Labour agreement and negotiations with Australia to allow Kenyans to come and work as seasonal workers. We also looked at the challenges faced by Kenyans in getting their visas, their nursing permits and how to transmit funds back home,” he added.
