Leaving home to work abroad can open opportunities — but preparation makes the difference between a safe, fair experience and one full of risk. Below are ten concrete steps to help Kenyan migrant workers travel informed and protected.
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Verify your recruiter and employer. Confirm the recruiting agency is licensed in Kenya and ask for the employer’s full details. Call or email the employer directly and request an employment letter that matches the recruiter’s offer.
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Read and compare the contract carefully. Contracts should state job title, salary, working hours, overtime terms, accommodation, and repatriation conditions. If anything is unclear or missing, request clarification in writing before signing.
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Confirm total costs and who pays what. Identify placement fees, visa costs, travel, medical checks, and whether the employer reimburses any pre-departure fees. Avoid recruiters who pressure you to pay high, unexplained fees upfront.
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Take certified copies of critical documents. Passport, signed contract, work visa, and emergency contacts should each be copied and stored separately (phone cloud, USB, paper left with family).
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Learn local laws and your worker rights. Research basic labor rights and local emergency numbers for the destination country. Knowing your rights reduces vulnerability to exploitation.
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Keep a trusted contact loop at home. Share your full itinerary, employer name, and weekly check-in schedule with a family member or friend.
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Prepare financial safeguards. Set up means to receive remittances safely and avoid sending money back via informal channels that have poor records.
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Attend a pre-departure orientation. If JJS or another trusted organisation offers workshops, join them — they provide tailored briefings on contracts, communication, and red flags.
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Plan for health and safety. Get required vaccinations, understand local healthcare access, and pack a small health kit with prescriptions and doctor’s letters where needed.
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Know where to get help abroad. Save contact details for your embassy, labour attaché, and trusted NGOs that assist migrant workers. If you encounter problems, seek help early.
Final note: Small actions before departure protect you in big ways later. For local support, referrals, or to join a pre-departure workshop, visit Jafari Jata Solution’s resources and request help pages.
Want a printable checklist? Contact JJS at the Get Help page or call the numbers on the website
