South Sudan’s instructions to have all foreign workers in the country leave the country by October 15 have received mixed reactions from different quarters.
Some Nakuru residents say the country’s decision was right and Kenya should do the same.
Shadrack Odhiambo, a Nakuru businessman, supports the decision saying it is a way of fighting unemployment in the strife-ridden country.
He added: “It is of paramount importance that the South Sudan government provides employment for its citizens. Foreigners have been involved in jobs that are made for the locals there.”
It is estimated that more than 80,000 workers in the country are foreigners with 25,000 of these being from Kenya.
Most of them are working in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), private companies, community groups, businesses. Others are allegedly hawking and selling second hand clothes in the youngest African nation.
Journalist Mohamed Abduba Dida argues: “Unemployment has been a disaster in many countries of late but that does not mean foreigners should take over jobs locals in a certain country can do. It is important to consider your own citizens first and it is only when they lack in a skill that you can consult foreigners.”
Nakuru MP David Gikaria says the effect of the move will affect the Kenyans.
“Kenyans are there in big numbers in banks, insurance, companies and construction firms. This means they will have to come back and this will affect them either positively or negatively. Kenya might have helped South Sudan stabilise but that does not mean Kenyans are taking over in the country,” he added.