The government of Kenya is set to send 1500 farm workers to Israel on a three-year contract amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime of the Ministry of Labor announced on Wednesday that the two countries had gotten into a deal for mutual benefits where Kenyan labour would be exported mainly as casual workers to work in Israel’s agricultural fields.
According to Mwadime, the deal has a guaranteed net income of Ksh.230,000 ($1,500) per month.
“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 (formerly twitter).
PS Mwadime further also noted that the initiative would be coordinated through the Kenya National Employment Authority.
“These opportunities number about 1,500 with a guaranteed net income of 1,500 USD per month, on 3 years renewable contracts. The program will be implemented by a number of local licensed agencies,” stated the ministry.
The announcement comes in the middle of the ongoing war with Hamas which has left about 16,000 people dead since October 7.
It is also reported that more than 10,000 migrant farm workers, mostly Thailand nationals have left Israel with about 32 Thai nationals killed.
