Werner Enterprises Denies Kenyan Drivers’ Job Reports in the U.S.
Werner Enterprises has denied claims that it’s recruiting Kenyan truck drivers to the US. The company made the statement after public backlash following the signing of a Labour Mobility and Diaspora Support Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenyan government and the US State of Nebraska.
The Nebraska-based freight and logistics company posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying:
“Werner has not signed or discussed any agreement for the recruitment of Kenyan truck drivers to the United States. Any claims suggesting otherwise are just false.”
The statement came after online debate heated up, especially among Nebraskans, who were concerned that foreign drivers would take over trucking jobs.
In 2024, a Kenyan delegation visited Omaha, Nebraska and met with state officials and even toured Werner’s headquarters. No official announcement was made about recruitment or employment partnerships.
Rumours intensified on September 4 when Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen travelled to Nairobi and signed the MoU with Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary in Kenya’s State Department for Diaspora Affairs. The deal was witnessed by President William Ruto and was described as a way for Kenyans to legally get employment in critical US sectors such as healthcare and transportation.
Evnen’s comments in Nairobi added fuel to the fire. “We have commercial truck drivers already who are being trained, partially in Kenya, and then they complete their training in Nebraska,” he said.
Although he didn’t mention Werner, many online users linked the company to the agreement, assuming it would mean trucking jobs for Kenyans in Nebraska.
No US trucking company has confirmed involvement in the initiative. But Evnen defended the deal, saying it’s a practical response to America’s labour shortages. He also hinted at expanding recruitment to other professions.
“We have a commission now, a committee that has established a process under which we can explore further labour mobility fields… including medical and nursing professions,” he said.
Principal Secretary Njogu welcomed the development, saying it would create opportunities for Kenyans while supporting Nebraska’s workforce needs.“It will create opportunities for Kenyans while supporting Nebraska’s workforce needs.”
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Werner Enterprises Denies Kenyan Drivers’ Job Reports in the U.S.