Kenya, U.S. Sign Deal Allowing Govt Officials’ Dependants to Work Abroad
The Employment of Dependents of Official Employees agreement was signed in Nairobi on Monday, September 7, following talks between Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia.
The agreement allows eligible dependants of Kenyan and US government officials posted to either country to seek employment while accompanying their relatives during official assignments.
The arrangement is expected to provide relief to families who relocate abroad with government officials but have previously faced restrictions that prevented spouses and other qualifying dependants from taking up employment.
Under the agreement, eligible dependants will be able to pursue employment opportunities in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the host country.
The deal, however, does not create a general employment programme for Kenyans seeking jobs in the United States.
Instead, it specifically applies to qualifying dependants of government officials covered by the agreement.
Mudavadi outlines benefits of Kenya-US partnership
During the meeting, Mudavadi said Kenya’s partnership with the United States should produce practical benefits for citizens.
“The Kenya-United States partnership matters most when it translates into jobs, investment, better healthcare and greater security for our people,” said Mudavadi.
He added that the priorities guided his discussions with Garcia during the US official’s visit to Kenya.
“This shaped my engagement with Mr Frank Garcia, United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, during his official visit to Kenya,” he added.
The new agreement comes as Kenya and the US continue to deepen their diplomatic and economic relationship.
Kenya and the United States are also pursuing reciprocal trade negotiations aimed at strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.
Kenya, US discuss health and security
Health cooperation was another major issue discussed during the talks.
The two countries considered ways of strengthening health collaboration, including efforts to reduce the cost of cancer treatment.
The discussions also covered critical minerals, defence and regional security.
The latest talks are expected to provide another platform for the two countries to identify areas where their strategic partnership can deliver economic and social benefits.
Bilateral dialogue planned for December
Kenya plans to use the high-level meeting to advance areas of mutual interest and strengthen cooperation between Nairobi and Washington.
The new dependants’ employment agreement therefore adds another dimension to the longstanding Kenya-US relationship by addressing the needs of families accompanying government officials on foreign assignments.
The arrangement also reflects broader efforts by Kenya and the US to strengthen people-to-people ties alongside their economic, health, diplomatic and security cooperation.
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Kenya, U.S. Sign Deal Allowing Govt Officials’ Dependants to Work Abroad
