Werner Enterprises has dismissed reports suggesting that it is engaged in recruiting Kenyan truck drivers for employment opportunities in the United States.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 10, the American transportation and logistics company clarified that it had no involvement in such discussions or agreements.
"Werner Enterprises wishes to clarify that we are not involved in any agreements or discussions regarding the recruitment of Kenyan truck drivers to the United States. Any claims suggesting otherwise are just false," the statement read.
Werner Enterprises, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the largest trucking and logistics firms in the United States, employing thousands of drivers.
In May 2024, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu led a high-level delegation to Nebraska for a series of official engagements.
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During the visit, Njogu met with executives of Werner Enterprises at the company’s headquarters in Omaha.
The discussions revolved around creating employment pathways for Kenyan truck drivers abroad and enhancing opportunities for the Kenyan diaspora to participate in both jobs and enterprise initiatives.
"There are tens of thousands of truck driving jobs that are open at any given time," Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said.
On her part, Njogu highlighted the value of partnerships between the Kenyan government and Werner Enterprises.
She highlighted Kenya’s youthful demographic, describing it as a pool of skilled and hardworking talent that could contribute greatly to the logistics industry.
"When people bring 100% or 120% of who they are into these places, that just comes through in the workplace. So I saw that here, and I thought that’s something I’ve also seen at home, and I think these values even across all these miles are shared and make for a good, good pairing," she said.
To deepen the collaboration, Njogu invited the Werner Enterprises team to visit Nairobi.
"Kenya is open to sharing its excellent talent with the world, and we think Nebraska would make a good home for our people," she added.
Elsewhere, this comes barely a day after the Ministry of Labour unveiled new job opportunities for Kenyan riders seeking employment in Dubai.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 10, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the recruitment drive targets men aged between 21 and 38 who possess motorbike riding skills.
According to the CS, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in riding, with interviews set to include practical assessments.
Additionally, a good command of English and the ability to use Google Maps for navigation are also listed as mandatory requirements.
According to Mutua, those who qualify will be offered a fixed monthly salary ranging from AED 2,100 (Ksh74,000) to AED 2,500 (Ksh88,140).
The CS mentioned that there is also a performance-based pay option of AED 7.5 (Ksh264) per successful delivery.
Mutua noted that the salary packages will apply after successful candidates obtain a UAE driving license and officially report for duty.
“Come with confidence, demonstrate your riding skills, and seize this opportunity to work in Dubai,” Mutua said.
The recruitment interviews are scheduled to take place from Thursday, September 11, to Saturday, September 13, running daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The venue for the interviews will be the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in Athi River.
