East African Nations Unite to Strengthen Labour Mobility and Protect Migrant Workers
By Jeff Kizzilah, Digital Editor
In a significant step towards boosting regional cooperation, Kenya today hosted Uganda’s Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Esther Davinia Anyakun, alongside a representative from the Rwanda High Commission to Kenya, for a high-level consultative meeting focused on labour mobility within the East African Community (EAC).
The discussions centered on addressing pressing challenges facing the region, including youth unemployment, irregular migration, and the exploitation of migrant workers in destination countries. Leaders emphasized that these issues demand coordinated, inclusive, and rights-based solutions across East Africa.
A key outcome of the meeting was a shared commitment to strengthen the protection of migrant workers’ rights and welfare, ensuring equal pay for equal work and negotiating improved working conditions for citizens employed abroad.
The meeting also identified opportunities for deeper collaboration in areas such as:
Enhanced consular support for migrant workers
Skills development and training aligned with international standards
Promotion of ethical, transparent recruitment practices
Expansion of safe, legal, and regular migration pathways
Speaking after the meeting, the hosts reaffirmed their commitment to structured, dignified, and mutually beneficial labour mobility across the region. They highlighted that through stronger partnerships and coordinated policies, East African nations can create greater employment opportunities while safeguarding the rights of their workforce wherever they work.
