American Dream: Kenyan Truck Drivers to Land Jobs in Nebraska Deal
Kenya has signed a new deal with the US state of Nebraska and Kenyans can now get jobs overseas.
The labour mobility agreement signed in Nairobi will initially focus on skilled truck drivers but both parties said more job categories can be added in future.
Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, announced the deal alongside Nebraska’s Secretary of State, Robert Evnen. “We have signed a labour mobility memorandum of understanding that opens up opportunities for Kenyans to work in Nebraska,” Njogu said.
Mr. Evnen who is leading a high level delegation to Kenya said they began with commercial driver’s licenses because they are skilled positions. “Nebraska has the need and the training facilities and now Kenyans will be able to pursue such opportunities in the US,” he explained.
This comes at a time when US immigration policies are strict. Applicants must meet visa requirements, commit to leave after their contracts and be compliant with the law while in the country. Violations can lead to deportation.
The announcement was made during the Kenya-Nebraska Beef Trade and Investment Conference in Nairobi which brought together stakeholders from agriculture, manufacturing, education, finance and diaspora networks. The two sides also discussed agricultural collaborations including applying Kenya’s Mkulima Majuu program in Nebraska to create more jobs for youth with farming and agronomy expertise.
Mr. Evnen said the memorandum provides a framework for structured cooperation: “We will have a joint committee that will meet regularly to plan, identify needs and design clear pathways for success.”
The delegation is in Kenya until September 8 and will discuss value addition, research, veterinary services, technology transfer and skills development across the beef and agriculture value chains.
Kenya has been actively pursuing labour mobility opportunities abroad to address its high unemployment rates. Recently PS Njogu also led talks in Germany where negotiations are ongoing to tap into over 200,000 vacant positions..
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American Dream: Kenyan Truck Drivers to Land Jobs in Nebraska Deal