Fly the Kenyan flag high: Mudavadi tells teachers who have secured placement in US schools
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has assured Kenyans in diaspora of the governments’ commitment to the protection of their rights and welfare while working in the foreign land.
Mudavadi said this will go hand in hand with the mainstreaming of their contribution towards nation building process.
He said this when he presided over the send-off ceremony for more than 60 teachers who have secured job placement in various district schools across the United States of America.
“As you embark on this journey, remember that you are ambassadors of Kenya’s values and aspirations. Your success in the international arena will not only benefit you personally but will also elevate the standing of Kenyan education worldwide.” he said
The Prime CS also the Cabinet Secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs and the acting Cabinet Secretary for education reminded the teachers and Kenyans who are already working over-seas of the importance of remaining disciplined, focused and hardworking.
He said Kenya has gained immense reputation globally as Kenyans working in most foreign countries have proved to be trustworthy, reliable, committed and have shown high standards of competence in various sectors of the foreign labour market.
“From the statistics and reports, Kenyan workers have proved to be good workers. Comparatively there is an inclination to have Kenyans as the favourites and we need to consolidate this good gesture when we get opportunities to work outside our country.” he remarked.
“You will also validate the Governments’ committed, driven by the Bottom-up Economic and Transformation Agenda, to expand opportunities for quality locally and abroad for our people, particularly the youth.” he added.
He however cautioned the teachers and the Kenyan diaspora of the dire consequences if one is found on the wrong side of the law while abroad.
He said ethics and code of conduct for engagement changes and so should the ones who get the opportunity to work in those countries.
“As you go out remember to appreciate the laws for the foreign country, since it is very important to understand that immediately you land on the soils of the other country, you are totally under a new and different jurisdiction. You must therefore follow and stick to the new norm.” he cautioned.
The government has since adopted a Whole-of-Government approach to implementing the Global Labour Market Strategy (GLMS) and securing jobs for Kenyans in international labour markets where their knowledge and skills can make a difference.
Among the notable achievements of the GLMS are the establishment of Africa's second Pearson VUE Test Center and a partnership with a UK- based recruiting agency for seasonal farm work.
Furthermore, in May 2024, Kenya and Germany successfully negotiated the draft Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement in Nairobi which is set to be signed in September 2024.
“We appreciate your immense potential for the jobs you are going to take in “the land of opportunity.” We understand the process of securing a job, navigating visa challenges, and coordinating travel logistics can be overwhelming. Still, each of you here today stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Kenyan people.” said Mudavdi
“As you fly out and leave Kenya behind, remember we are particularly proud of each one of you and confident in the significant contributions you will make from advancing teaching methodologies to creating invaluable avenues for cultural exchange and networking.”
Mudavadi expressed the governments’ gratitude to Consult Center Ltd and Pesuar International Job Placement Consultancy for the collaboration and support that helped seize this opportunity which has evolved and matured through the strategic collaboration with Dr. Peter Ruhiri, a Kenyan Diaspora in the US.