President William Ruto has promised quicker passport processing and new support systems for Kenyans seeking job opportunities overseas.

Speaking to representatives of the Kenyan diaspora from 27 countries, Ruto admitted that government agencies struggle to keep track of citizens working abroad due to a lack of reliable data.

“It dawned on me when I asked the National Employment Authority, which is supposed to be the authority responsible for how many Kenyans are working abroad, and they had no numbers,” he said.

The President noted that even immigration officers lacked accurate records, as many Kenyans travel using tourist visas or leave the country through unofficial channels.

To address the gaps, Ruto revealed the government has scrapped the old system and is rolling out a new “green channel” for job seekers.

“If you have a letter of employment, within two days, maximum three, you will have your passport,” he assured.

To accelerate the process further, all related services, including fingerprinting by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), have been brought under one roof to eliminate unnecessary delays.

Beyond documentation, the government is also stepping in to support Kenyans who can’t afford air tickets. Ruto said funds from the Youth Fund and Uwezo Fund will help cover travel costs for those headed abroad for work.

“We have mobilised resources from the Youth Fund and Uwezo Fund to assist Kenyans who want to work abroad,” he stated.

Ruto also lauded the diaspora’s growing contribution to the country’s economy. He said the government, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, has developed policies to harness the skills, knowledge, and financial power of Kenyans living overseas.

He praised diaspora remittances as a major pillar of national development, family support, and economic stability. Kenya’s foreign reserves now stand at $10.8 billion, the highest ever, largely due to money sent home by Kenyans abroad.

Ruto added that remittance inflows have grown from $4 billion (Ksh516 billion) two years ago to $4.95 billion (Ksh638 billion) last year.