Kajwang’: Arrest foreigners without work permits

By Jane Akinyi

Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’ has ordered for the arrest and deportation of foreigners working without permits.

He said he had received reports that some Chinese nationals had been employed as casual workers at the Sang’oro Hydro Power project, the phase two of the Sondu-Miriu project.

"Any foreigner working at the site without work permits should be arrested, charged and deported," he said.

Mr Kajwang’ said others whose permits read technicians and had turned to manual labour should also be charged, adding that the company employing them be charged too.

Jobs we can do

"We cannot allow foreigners to do the jobs we can do," he said.

Kajwang’ said he had received complaints from local leaders that the Chinese nationals had taken up jobs locals’ jobs. He urged other investors to ensure they complied with the country’s code of employment.

However, The Standard was unable to reach the Chinese firm.

The Sang’oro project is earmarked to cost Sh3.2 billion and commenced late last year. It is scheduled to take three years, and is funded by Japan Bank for International Corporation, the organisation that financed the Sondu-Miriu Project. Once completed the Sang’oro undertaking will add 21.2 mega watts to the national grid.