State to facilitate passport acquisition for skilled Kenyans heading abroad

ANNE KANGERO AND ALLAN MAINA-KNA 

The Government will assist skilled Kenyans in acquiring passports after successfully being recruited to work abroad, Cabinet Secretary for Labor and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, has said.

Mutua disclosed that some Kenyans who have secured jobs abroad are unable to acquire passports, hindering their prospects overseas. As such, the government will facilitate the issuance of passports to make travel easier, he said.

“Whether you have a passport or not, as long as you have been interviewed and have a job offer, the government will organize how to get the passport,” Mutua added.

He mentioned that at least 1,000 Machakos residents have been recruited for various jobs and are expected to travel in three weeks to different destinations.

He also stated that a thorough verification of documents would be done after successful recruitment to ensure that no one has forged documents.

Mutua advised the residents not to be discouraged by financial challenges in traveling, as several banks present at the recruitment site have expressed willingness to assist with funding for plane tickets and other documents.

This will be arranged after agreements are made to deduct a certain amount from their expected salary abroad.

Principal Secretary for Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, on her part, encouraged the youth to join TVET institutions to gain the required skills and certifications that will enable them to secure gainful employment abroad.

Additionally, Muoria urged skilled youths, such as mechanics, plumbers, and painters who lack formal education, to enroll in TVETs so they can acquire skills and certification within six months.

“When you have that certificate, you have a chance to earn a better salary and gain respect in your community,” PS Muoria said.