Europe, the Middle East and America are among key destinations for Kenyan healthcare professionals. The Kenyan government-backed export of labor has been employed as a socioeconomic advancement strategy.
According to Public Health and Professional Standards, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni: “Annually, Kenya sends approximately 3,000 health professionals to lucrative labor markets worldwide, demonstrating our commitment to fostering professional excellence and asserting leadership in global health.”
Muthoni says the healthcare professionals working aboard are among those driving up diaspora remittances to Kenya. Diaspora remittances was according to Central Bank of Kenya data about $4.3 billion (Kshs 483 billion) in 2022, surpassing traditional top forex earners like tourism, horticulture and tea.
There have been concerns about mistreatment of Kenyans working in the diaspora, which Muthoni says “Through collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, we are dedicated to securing a safe and conducive working environment for all Kenyan professionals overseas.”
