Sessional Paper No. 05 of 2023 National Policy on Labour Migration

Abstract

Labour migration is a source of employment and livelihoods for migrant workers, and one of the main avenues of technology and skills transfer between countries. The benefits of labour migration are enjoyed by migrant workers, their families and communities; local and national governments; private sector entities; and regional organizations. Kenya like most developing countries continues to experience migration of workers to and from other countries. The push factors for migration include: high levels of unemployment and the socio-economic and environmental conditions within the country. The pull factors include prospects for a better life namely; higher salaries, better quality of education and health care in the countries of destination. Kenya started to experience increased outward migration in the mid-1980s. This was motivated by declining economic performance and high levels of unemployment. The major destination regions and countries for Kenyan migrant workers are the East African Community Partner States, Middle East, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Oceania, UK, Europe, South Africa and South Sudan. Highly skilled labour and students travel to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Europe, while semi-skilled migrant workers move to the Gulf States and African countries.