The Kenyan government plans to send 1500 farm workers to Israel on a three-year contract as the war between Israel and Hamas escalates.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Labour said, through Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, that the two countries had signed a mutual benefit agreement in which Kenyan labor would be sent primarily as casual workers to work in Israel's agricultural areas.
Mwadime states the arrangement includes a monthly guaranteed net income of Ksh.230,000 ($1,500).
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“Kenyan to export labour for Israel's agriculture fields as casual workers. These emerged following bilateral discussion between PS @Mwadimeshadrack and MD of Guri Avocados from Israel, Mr Rami Cohen today,” read the statement posted on X.
PS Mwadime met with an Israeli official, Rami Cohen, MD of Guri Avocados, and Dr Eric Ruto, President of the Kenya Chamber of Commerce.
According to the ministry, the casual laborers would earn a net salary of $1,500 USD (approximately Ksh.230,000) every month for the duration of the contract.
He further stated that the Kenya National Employment Authority would manage the effort.
"There are approximately 1,500 opportunities with a guaranteed net income of $1,500 USD per month on three-year renewable contracts." "A number of local licenced agencies will implement the programme," the ministry noted.
The statement comes against the backdrop of the country's war, which has killed about 16,000 people since October 7.
According to reports, about 10,000 migrant farm workers, predominantly Thai nationals, have fled Israel, with around 32 Thai nationals slain.
Israel has also barred Palestinian workers, who once made up approximately 20% of the agricultural labor force.
According to CNN, the government requires 30-40,000 agriculture workers.
