Diaspora Affairs Committee Inspects Training Institutions, No Consensus Reached on Duration Review

The National Assembly’s Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee conducted an inspection of training institutions in Machakos County, shedding light on critical gaps and emerging proposals in the preparation of Kenyans seeking employment abroad.

During the visit, the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) proposed a review of the current training duration for candidates undertaking homecare management and pre-departure programmes, recommending an extension from the existing two weeks to the initial one-month period.

The proposal was presented by Senior Industrial Training Officer and Assessment Supervisor, Rose Komu, who argued that longer training would better equip candidates with the practical and soft skills required to meet international labour market standards.

However, the Committee, chaired by Lydia Haika, did not reach a consensus on reverting to the one-month training duration. Members indicated the need for further consultations with stakeholders before making a final determination, noting the delicate balance between quality training and affordability for job seekers.

The Committee heard that the training duration had previously been one month before it was reduced to two weeks following consultations between recruitment agencies and the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua. The revision was informed by concerns from recruitment agents over the high cost of accommodating trainees for extended periods.

According to Gerald Kirimi, the reduction was intended to ease the financial burden on both agencies and candidates, thereby accelerating deployment timelines for those seeking overseas opportunities.

Despite the proposal by NITA, Committee members raised questions about whether extending the training period would significantly improve outcomes for migrant workers or simply increase costs, potentially locking out vulnerable applicants.

In addition to training duration, the Committee also examined the roles of various government agencies in safeguarding migrant workers. Ms. Komu clarified that while NITA is responsible for training and certification, the National Employment Authority (NEA) is mandated to oversee the deployment of successful candidates to their respective destinations.

Members of the Committee sought assurances on post-departure monitoring, emphasizing the need for stronger follow-up mechanisms to protect Kenyan workers from exploitation and abuse while abroad.

As part of the inspection, the Committee visited Mountain View Technical and Vocational Training Institute, where they assessed facilities including a simulated model house used for practical training. The Members also engaged directly with trainees to understand their experiences and challenges.

One trainee, Caroline Nakhumicha, shared a personal account of falling victim to a fraudulent recruitment agent prior to enrolling at the institution. Her experience highlighted the persistent risks posed by rogue agencies within the labour migration ecosystem.

In response, Committee members advised prospective migrant workers to verify recruitment agencies through official channels, particularly the NEA website, to avoid exploitation.

The visit underscored the importance of strengthening regulatory oversight, improving training standards, and enhancing public awareness as Kenya continues to position itself as a key source of skilled labour for international markets.

The Committee is expected to continue its oversight engagements with a similar inspection visit scheduled in Kiambu County, as it gathers views that will inform future policy recommendations.

While the proposal to extend training duration remains under consideration, it is clear that stakeholders are yet to agree on a unified approach—signaling that further deliberations will be necessary to strike the right balance between quality, cost, and accessibility.