Interior CS Fred Matiang'i is set to begin a crackdown on foreign workers whose working permits have expired but are still in the country.
Foreigners have been asked to submit their work permits for verification, after which they will be issued with electronic cards.
Those found to be in the country illegally or with fraudulent documents will be deported, according to the CS.
[caption caption="CS Fred Matiang'i"]
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“The launch is part of a process to clean up the register. The number of bona fide foreigners with working permits is far much less compared to the number of those working in the country.
“Why should we have a foreigner operating a kiosk or barbershop in Kitengela? How many Kenyans are qualified to do those jobs?” Asked Interior spokesperson Mwenda Njoka.
Government records indicate that around 34,000 permits have been issued to foreigners but many others have acquired permits through unscrupulous means.
In April, the CS gave a 60-day ultimatum to all foreigners as part of sealing loopholes in immigration processes.
He added that unemployment levels in the country were at all-time high and Kenyans needed to be cushioned from those who take jobs that they can do themselves.
“Give me one reason why we need to give a permit to someone coming to be an accountant in Kenya.
"Why give a permit to a programme officer with the number of graduates who have masters degrees,” posed Dr. Matiang’i.
He asserted: "We are going to tighten the process of work permits. We want to clean this once and for all and have a digital register that can be searched any time on who is supposed to be in Kenya.
[caption caption="File Photo of Ethiopians Arrested in Ruiru"]
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