Kenya has inked a landmark deal that will see thousands of skilled professionals deployed to British Crown Dependencies, opening up a lucrative international labour corridor and boosting the country’s diaspora remittances.
The agreement, signed Monday, May 19 between Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu and representatives from the Channel Islands, sets the stage for Kenyans to work in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man across key sectors such as education, information technology, healthcare, construction and hospitality.
“This collaboration is not just about jobs — it’s about dignity, empowerment and development,” said PS Njogu during the signing ceremony held in Jersey. “We are inviting reputable employers to recruit from Kenya’s abundant talent in IT, healthcare, education, engineering and more.”
The move comes amid increasing global demand for labor following post-Brexit staff shortages, with Kenya positioning itself as a hub of skilled and ethical labor. The government emphasized that the agreement guarantees fair wages, ethical recruitment practices and robust protection of workers’ rights.
Additionally, Kenyan professionals will undergo comprehensive cultural integration programs and pre-departure training to ensure seamless transition and professional success abroad.
At the forefront of the implementation is GR8 Employment Solutions & Training Limited, an established offshore recruitment firm. The company, which has collaborated with Kenyan institutions for five years, will handle job placements, skill development and the integration process for the workers.
According to the BBC, GR8 began partnering with a Kenyan college to supply trained hospitality workers to UK territories struggling with recruitment gaps — a partnership that has now evolved into a full-fledged international labor agreement.
The deal is part of Kenya’s Global Labor Market Strategy (2023–2027), a blueprint for promoting international employment, strengthening overseas labor ties and safeguarding the well-being of Kenyans working abroad.
It follows a similar initiative signed in August 2023, when Kenya dispatched 350 seasonal workers to the UK under the Kazi Majuu program. That project was fully funded by the Kenyan government and showcased its commitment to reducing youth unemployment through global opportunities.
The latest deal not only strengthens bilateral ties but also sets a precedent for ethical international labour migration — one that promises economic relief back home and sustainable careers abroad.
As PS Njogu aptly concluded, “This is about creating a legacy of opportunity — and Kenya is ready.”
