Kenya to send 1,500 farm workers to Israel amid war with Hamas, set to earn Ksh.230K monthly

The Ministry of Labour through Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime announced on Wednesday that the two countries had inked a deal for mutual benefits where the Kenyan labour would be exported mainly as casual workers to work in Israel’s agricultural fields.

The deal, according to Mwadime, 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 had met with an Israel representative, the MD of Guri Avocados Rami Cohen and  Kenya Chamber of Commerce President Dr Eric Ruto 

The ministry said that the casual labourers would be earning a net income of 1,500 USD (about Ksh.230,000) per month for the entire period.

He further 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,” added the ministry.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of the war in the country which has left about 16,000 people dead since October 7.

Reports also indicate that more than 10,000 migrant farm workers, mostly Thailand nationals have left Israel with about 32 Thai nationals killed.

Israel has also barred Palestinian workers, who made up nearly 20% of the agricultural labour force before the war.

CNN reported last week that the country needed 30-40,000 farm workers.