Kenyans Concerned as Trump Cancels 200K Truck Driver Licenses in US

Kenyans living in the United States and those with relatives abroad have expressed concern after the administration of Donald Trump announced new changes affecting immigrant truck drivers.

The new directive, which started on March 16, was issued through the US Department of Transportation. It has led to the cancellation of more than 200,000 licenses held by migrant truck drivers.

Under the new rules, many non-citizens will not be allowed to apply for new commercial driving licenses or renew the ones they already have. However, those with valid licenses can continue working until their documents expire.

The decision mainly affects groups such as asylum seekers, refugees, and participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. These groups have been playing an important role in the American trucking industry for many years.

Earlier in December, the US government also took action against nearly 3,000 driver training centres that failed to meet required standards.

According to officials, the move followed several serious road accidents involving immigrant drivers last year. The US Transportation Secretary, Sean P. Duffy, defended the decision, saying the system had been misused by some foreign drivers. He also noted that verifying driving records from other countries can be difficult.

As part of the changes, the government has also tightened rules on English language proficiency for truck drivers.

This development has raised concerns among Kenyans, as a large number live and work in the US. Estimates show that between 150,000 and 164,000 Kenyans are currently in the country, with some directly or indirectly connected to the transport sector.

Many of those affected are now unsure about what steps to take next, including how to meet the new requirements and avoid penalties.

The trucking sector is very important to the US economy, but it is already facing challenges such as high fuel prices, driver shortages, and supply chain issues. Reducing the number of drivers could make the situation worse for businesses and consumers.

Immigrants make up a significant part of the trucking workforce, accounting for about 18 to 19 percent of all drivers. This is slightly higher than their overall share in the US workforce, which stands at around 17 percent. Kenyans are among those contributing to this sector.

With these new changes, there are fears that the impact will not only be felt in the US but also back home, as many migrant workers support their families through remittances.