Eldoret: The government has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at providing Kenyan youth with lucrative employment opportunities abroad under the Kazi Majuu programme. Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, speaking at the World Day for Safety and Health at Work celebrations in Eldoret, highlighted that this initiative seeks to address the high unemployment rate among the nation’s youth.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government has established structured systems to prepare young individuals for overseas employment. Mwadime emphasized that working in foreign countries exposes youth to various cultural, linguistic, technological, and social environments that may present psychosocial challenges. To mitigate these challenges, recruits undergo mandatory pre-departure training, which includes cultural adaptation, stress management, rights awareness, and coping strategies. Additionally, medical examinations are conducted to ensure fitness for the jobs.
The Principal Secretary also stated that bilateral agreements have been signed with destination countries to secure safe working conditions, fair wages, and access to grievance redress mechanisms for Kenyan workers abroad. Mwadime issued a stern warning to rogue recruitment agencies, insisting that only vetted and licensed firms will be permitted to facilitate labor migration. He noted the prevalence of fraudulent schemes that have deceived many young Kenyans with false promises of overseas employment.
Mwadime revealed that the ministry has significantly reduced the number of recruitment agencies through stringent vetting processes and continues to closely monitor their operations. He outlined the government’s long-term strategy, which encourages youth working abroad to return home after several years with enhanced skills, experience, and savings to invest in sectors such as real estate and industry.
Highlighting the potential of Kenya’s youthful population, with approximately 70 percent under the age of 35, Mwadime urged young people to seize global labor mobility opportunities while contributing to national development. To further enhance protection for migrant workers, the government plans to deploy labor attach©s in key destination countries to monitor Kenyan workers, address grievances promptly, and prevent exploitation.
Mwadime reiterated the need for verifying licensed recruitment agencies, attending pre-departure training, undergoing medical checks, and maintaining contact with Kenyan embassies while abroad. He also mentioned that ongoing legislative reforms and new guidelines on psychosocial support are being developed to safeguard migrant workers and improve workplace conditions both locally and internationally.
