British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, asserted the UK's stance on the migration of Kenyan nurses to the United Kingdom (UK) as a matter of mutual cooperation. In an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, Neil emphasized the importance of Kenyan nurses within the UK's diaspora community, highlighting their significant contribution to the healthcare sector.

Neil clarified that the migration was not an effort to deplete Kenya's healthcare workforce but rather a means to address the shortage of health workers in the UK while providing employment opportunities for qualified Kenyan nurses. He underscored the mutually beneficial nature of the arrangement, stating, "We think it's a win-win because in Britain, we have a shortage of health workers, particularly for nurses, while Kenyan nurses are well-educated and we are offering jobs to the recently qualified who are yet to secure employment."

Furthermore, Neil emphasized that the UK's recruitment efforts targeted newly qualified nurses, aiming to provide them with opportunities for professional growth and development. He highlighted the positive impact of Kenyan nurses working in the UK, citing their remittances as a valuable contribution to Kenya's economy.

Despite concerns about the impact of Brexit on migration policies, Neil reassured that Britain's withdrawal from the European Union would not hinder opportunities for Kenyan nurses seeking employment abroad. However, he acknowledged the government's measures to restrict the migration of care workers' dependents, citing the recent ban on bringing dependents into the country as part of efforts to manage migration numbers.

Moreover, the UK government plans to raise income level minimums for skilled worker visas, reflecting efforts to regulate immigration while ensuring the UK's healthcare needs are met. Despite these challenges, Neil remained optimistic about the continued collaboration between Kenya and the UK in addressing healthcare workforce needs and fostering mutual development.