COTU urges Kenyan workers abroad to register with embassies for protection, support
The move is aimed at ensuring that citizens are properly documented and recognised, allowing the government to provide timely assistance in the event of emergencies or disputes.
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Kenya) (COTU-K) has called on all Kenyan workers living and working abroad to register with Kenyan embassies, high commissions, consulates, or permanent missions in their countries of residence.
The move is aimed at ensuring that citizens are properly documented and recognised, allowing the government to provide timely assistance in the event of emergencies or disputes.
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In a press statement issued on Thursday, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli emphasised the importance of registration, particularly as Kenya positions itself as a labour-exporting nation.
“As Kenya increasingly positions itself as a labour exporting nation, it is a matter of importance that our workers abroad are properly documented and recognised through official government channels so that in the event of any challenges, emergencies, or disputes, the Kenyan government can offer timely protection, assistance, and accountability,” the statement reads.
COTU-K raised concerns over a trend where a few individuals with activist inclinations operate abroad without following proper procedures, potentially exposing themselves to foreign consequences and putting the welfare and reputation of other Kenyan workers at risk.
The union cited past incidents in Tanzania and other countries, where activism by some Kenyans led to discrimination, termination of work permits, and other challenges.
The statement also addressed criticism aimed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for alleged lack of protection for Kenyans abroad. COTU-K argued that the ministry cannot be held responsible for individuals who leave the country without following proper channels.
The organisation further warned that seasoned politicians, including former Foreign Affairs Minister Kalonzo Musyoka, had sometimes overlooked the importance of diplomatic procedures.
"I am, therefore, surprised that some Kenyans are now blaming the Kenyan government, mostly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while when they go to foreign countries they do so without following the proper channels to document themselves, knowing all too well that they go there with ulterior motives," said Atwoli.
"Much more surprisingly is that even seasoned politicians like Kalonzo Musyoka, who once served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, turn a blind eye on diplomatic procedures governing the conduct and stay of those in foreign and sovereign states and blame the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he added.
The statement also called out recent incidents in which foreign nationals insulted COTU officials, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated and that offenders should face deportation.
“Cooperation with official government structures remains key, and as COTU-K, we shall continue reiterating our commitment to protecting the dignity of Kenyan labour both locally and abroad,” Atwoli said.
The union urged workers to follow proper registration protocols to ensure they benefit from government support and remain protected while contributing positively to Kenya’s international labour footprint.
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