3,400 illegal foreign workers in Kenya could face deportation

Over 3,400 foreigners suspected to be working in Kenya illegally are under scrutiny after they failed to authenticate their work permits.

The verification exercise that lasted two months revealed that the foreign workers did not have proper documents.

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An order from Interior CS Fred Matiang’i indicated that all foreign workers in Kenya must submit proper documents to allow them to continue operating in the country.

“Anyone found without valid permits will face different forms of removal including repatriation and deportation,” he warned.

The directive issued on May 22 is part of the government’s move to root out foreign workers in Kenya who lack proper permits.

Foreign workers were then given a 60-day ultimate to present proper documents.

According to CS Matiang’i, the country’s high unemployment rate is the main reason behind the crackdown on illegal foreign workers in Kenya.

“Give me one reason why we need to give a permit to someone coming to be an accountant in Kenya or in the case of civil society, why give a permit to a program officer with the number of graduates who have masters degrees,” he posed.