Mudavadi flags off Kenyan teachers departing for new jobs in the US

A considerable number of Kenyan teachers left for the United States on Monday night to begin new teaching positions.

Their departure was marked by a ceremonial send-off officiated by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.

The flag-off follows a policy and regulatory framework regarding teachers’ labour mobility that was agreed upon by the State Department of Diaspora Affairs and the Teachers Service Commission in February 2024.

Out of 150 teachers who expressed interest in working in American schools, approximately 70 have secured positions.

Mudavadi praised the global reputation of Kenyan workers, urging the teachers to maintain their focus and respect the laws of their new country.

“You are good workers. You communicate very well, and this is why, comparatively, if you take a Kenyan in the Diaspora and some of our other colleagues from the continent, there’s an inclination to have a Kenyan as the favourite,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of teachers adhering to local regulations, as they will be under different jurisdictions.

“Appreciate the laws in that country, and always remember that the moment you are on that plane and you land, you are now under a different jurisdiction, and therefore you must respect the laws and regulations of that land," he said.

Mudavadi cautioned the teachers about potential pitfalls, noting that some Kenyans have faced difficulties abroad by not adhering to local norms and regulations.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi. (Photo: X/Musalia Mudavadi)

“Be very careful because you have to respect the code of ethics and regulations in those countries,” he advised. 

During a town hall meeting with Mombasa residents on Sunday, President William Ruto announced that the government was keen to create jobs for youths through labour export programmes, affordable housing, and digital hubs.

He said the Ministry of Labour had 400,000 foreign jobs up for grabs, and some 1,000 youths are travelling abroad every week to take up the opportunities.

“In the digital space of the Principal Secretary for Labour, there are currently 400,000 foreign jobs. We urge MPs to prepare the youth in their constituencies to take up the opportunities. The youth will get passports within a week and get free air tickets,” he said.

He said those who secure jobs abroad will have their passports processed within a week, while the government will cater for their flight costs.

“I have planned that anyone who wants to go abroad for work is given a passport and other needed documents within a week. They will not need to pay for the air ticket, we shall pay for the ticket," he said.

Mudavadi, however, did not confirm Ruto’s promise but acknowledged the significant travel costs incurred by the teachers.

“I want to assure you that the government of Kenya will always be as supportive as it can be. Today, let me not rush and make any promises that I may not deliver. There is a famous saying that when you are in public space, promise what you can deliver and deliver what you promise but we have heard you that support is necessary in a number of areas,” Ruto said.

He assured that the government would explore ways to expedite visa acquisition and assist with flight expenses.

“We will reflect on it carefully as we go forward,” he said.