The Kenyan government, through the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, has spent Sh102 million to support at least 450 young Kenyans in securing employment opportunities in foreign countries.

This initiative, part of the government’s broader labour migration strategy, includes covering travel, visa, and upkeep expenses, enabling disadvantaged youth to take up jobs abroad.

Speaking during a flagging-off ceremony of 30 young Kenyans headed to the United Arab Emirates at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing unemployment — which currently affects more than five million Kenyans — by tapping into the global labour market.

“It was the President’s clarion call that, as the Ministry of Labour, we must access the international labour market and look for as many jobs as possible for our young people,” said PS Mwadime.

To further assist job seekers, the PS pointed out that the government is offering migration loans of up to Sh300,000 through the Youth Fund, a move aimed at supporting those who have secured jobs abroad but face financial constraints related to pre-departure expenses like visa fees, air tickets, and medical tests.

In addition to government funding, he said the government is partnering with local banks to offer low-interest loans ranging from Sh300,000 to Sh650,000 to youth seeking employment in Gulf and European countries.

Mwadime also cited Sh185,000 soft loans, repayable over six months, that are now available through the Youth Fund.

“The government is providing structured financial support to remove the cost barrier that stops many of our young people from pursuing job opportunities abroad,” said Mwadime.

To prevent exploitation, he added that the Ministry of Labour has launched a sensitisation campaign and partnered with the National Employment Authority (NEA) to publish a list of rogue recruitment agencies.

The NEA’s Integrated Management System (NEA-IMS) enables job seekers to verify agencies before engaging with them.

“We are committed to ensuring our youths travel through recognized agencies and obtain valid work permits. We urge job seekers to avoid unregistered agents,” warned Mwadime.

He cautioned against agencies that deceive applicants with visitor visas instead of legitimate work permits, leading to cases where Kenyans become stranded abroad.

As part of the migration readiness program, candidates undergo pre-departure training to equip them with knowledge of foreign work regulations and cultural expectations.

The ministry has also emphasised the need for proper documentation — including rider licenses for delivery jobs in Dubai — and urged skilled youths to take certification exams to boost their employability.

“Our young people are energetic, disciplined, and hardworking. They are able to perform their duties as expected. We are investing in their readiness so they can thrive abroad,” said the PS.

According to the government, more than 200,000 Kenyan youth have secured jobs abroad in the past 18 months, thanks to bilateral labour agreements with countries like UAE, Austria, and Qatar.

These opportunities, driven by labour shortages in developed nations, span sectors such as healthcare, construction, transport, and security.

“Currently, about four million Kenyans are working in different countries. As more agreements are signed, we expect the numbers to rise exponentially,” Mwadime said.

Kenyans working abroad remit Sh642 billion annually, bolstering household incomes, education, and national development.

Mwadime dismissed fears of brain drain, calling it a ‘brain gain’, where youth return with skills, experience, and capital to invest locally.

“We are encouraging our youths to develop a saving culture so that when they return, they can invest in businesses and create employment for others,” he said.

The Ministry is collaborating with Huduma Centres to fast-track passport and document applications while urging religious and political leaders to support youth with costs for medical tests and travel documents.

“Our political leaders have done well in offering bursaries to students, but they should also consider supporting youths who want to secure employment abroad,” urged Mwadime.