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Politician urges professionals to flee Kenya in search of greener pastures

By Winnie Mabel February 22nd, 2023 2 min read

Mwalimu Abduba Dida, one of the most outspoken politicians in Kenya, advised Kenyan youth who are professionals to flee from Kenya to seek greener pastures in other countries.

In his statement, the former presidential aspirant said that if these youth chose to remain in Kenya, they might end up becoming bodaboda riders (public service motorcycle operators).

“I can’t believe I am writing this but young professionals in Kenya, your best chances are outside our borders. Neither county nor country govt has any plans for you and the private sector is dead. Leave while you still can and don’t come back. Unless you want to ride bobaboda,” said Mwalimu Dida on February 22, 2023.

Mwalimu Dida’s sentiments came on the heels of reports of the Ministry of Health’s intentions to stop medical practitioners from leaving Kenya to seek greener pastures abroad. Earlier this week, the Nation reported that more than 4,000 jobless medical professionals were facing a ban on travelling abroad if they did not seek special clearance from the government.

“A leaked Ministry of Health memo shows plans to restrict unemployed medics from flying abroad for greener pastures, citing a shortage of health workers in the country. The proposed workforce migration policy, according to the memo seen by the Sunday Nation, will regulate the sector to ensure the country’s health system is not “destabilized” by the flight of doctors,” the Daily Nation reported.

The memo in question was signed by Acting Health Director-General Patrick Amoth despite knowing that thousands of Kenyan medical professionals have been dealing with unemployment for over five years- some, since graduating from schools. This is one of the evidences of the high rates of unemployment in the country and even if jobs are being created, they are in the informal sector and the pay is too low to sustain households.

Mwalimu Dida’s advice to young Kenyan professionals to flee the country was met by mixed reactions as sampled by Nairobi News below:

“Umh no one will fix our nation if we don’t start demanding it , running away to other countries isn’t the best solution. There’s needs a systemic change in the country, we the young people make up the majority of the voters and population yet we are some of the people,” said Ken Munenen.

“Very true because even government appointments in positions like CAS are still being given to old men, retirees, thieves, wash wash gangs etc,” added Dave Were.

“Honesty at its best, this is what my dad told me just the other day, sisi hatuna letu hapa (there is nothing for us here),” said Mweresa Rawson.

“You’re too honest,” Davis Gikundi told Mwalimu Dida.

“Ati over 2K doctors unemployed/graduating yet government hospitals ziko (are) in a pathetic state. Went to this Russia/Jaramogi Oginga Odinga hospital in Kisumu; the place is pathetic, death everywhere. The country is dying – or maybe dead already,” added Angore Ne.

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