Inside Labour Committee’s review of key proposals to strengthen Migration Bill
By Emmanuel Rono, July 3, 2026The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Labour has concluded public hearings on the proposed Labour Migration and Management (No. 2) Bill, 2024, receiving wide-ranging proposals from stakeholders aimed at strengthening protections for Kenyan migrant workers and improving regulation of overseas employment.
The Bill, sponsored by Senator Tabitha Mutinda, seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the management of labour migration and the regulation of recruitment agencies involved in placing Kenyans in foreign jobs.
According to a statement by the Parliament of Kenya on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Members of Parliament heard submissions from key institutions and industry players on how the proposed law can be improved before it is presented to the House.
“In a session led by the committee vice chairperson, Hon. Fabian Muli (Kangundo), the MPs engaged the stakeholders and gathered diverse perspectives on the provisions of the proposed law,” the statement read.
KLRC backing
The Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC) backed the Bill’s overall objective of protecting Kenyan migrant workers and regulating foreign employment recruitment.
However, the Commission proposed that provisions relating to the regulation of private employment agencies be incorporated into the National Employment Authority (NEA) Act instead.
KLRC also recommended the inclusion of stronger fair recruitment safeguards, including an explicit prohibition of unlawful recruitment fees charged to job seekers.
“The Commission proposed that provisions relating to the regulation of private employment agencies be incorporated into the National Employment Authority Act (NEA). It also recommended the inclusion of fair recruitment safeguards, including prohibition of unlawful fees,” the statement added.
Facilitation of safe overseas employment.
Presenting the Commission’s submissions, Acting Commission Secretary CPA Joseph Ndiku said the Bill should prioritize regulation, protection and facilitation of safe overseas employment.
Ndiku noted that the proposed legislation provides structural accountability mechanisms, adding that standardising enforcement would establish a strong administrative foundation for the labour migration sector.
The committee also received proposals seeking the deletion and replacement of several clauses in the bill. However, lawmakers insisted that any proposed amendments must be backed by clear justification demonstrating how they would improve the legislation.
The Kenya Association of Private Employment Agencies (KAPEA) led by its Chairperson, Juma Mwangala objected to the Bill’s proposal to place the sole absolute financial burden of repatriation to the recruitment agencies, proposing an amendment of section 42 of the Bill to establish a structured, shared responsibility framework between the foreign employer, the agency, specialized mandatory migrant worker insurance covers and the government’s Emergency Intervention Funds.
The Committee now moves to consider all the views submitted before writing its report for tabling on the Floor of the House when the House resumes from recess.