Government to regulate overseas jobs recruitment

The government has outlined a raft of strategies to enable Kenyan youth to secure lucrative employment opportunities abroad under the Kazi Majuu programme.

Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, speaking during the World Day for Safety and Health at Work celebrations held in Eldoret, emphasized that the initiative is part of efforts to tackle the high unemployment rate among young people in the country.

Mwadime said the government had put in place structured systems to prepare youth for overseas jobs, noting that working in foreign countries exposes them to different cultures, languages, technologies, and social environments that may pose psychosocial challenges.

To address this, he said recruits undergo mandatory pre-departure training covering cultural adaptation, stress management, rights awareness, and coping strategies.

They are also subjected to medical examinations to confirm their fitness for the jobs.

The PS added that bilateral agreements with destination countries have been signed to guarantee safe working conditions, fair wages, and access to grievance redress mechanisms for Kenyan workers abroad.

At the same time, Mwadime issued a stern warning to rogue recruitment agencies, stressing that only vetted and licensed firms are allowed to facilitate labour migration.

“Agencies that do not adhere to the legal framework are on notice. We will spare no effort to take action against those exploiting job seekers,” he warned.

He noted that many young Kenyans have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes, losing money to fake promises of overseas employment.

Mwadime revealed that the ministry has significantly reduced the number of recruitment agencies through a strict vetting process and continues to monitor their operations closely.

He further highlighted the government’s long-term strategy, encouraging youth working abroad to return home after several years with skills, experience, and savings to invest in sectors such as real estate and industry.

The PS pointed out that Kenya’s youthful population, estimated at about 70 percent under the age of 35, presents both a challenge and an opportunity, urging young people to take advantage of global labour mobility while contributing to national development.

To enhance protection, the government plans to deploy labour attachés in key destination countries to track Kenyan workers, address grievances in real time, and prevent exploitation.

Mwadime also reiterated the importance of verifying licensed recruitment agencies, attending pre-departure training, undergoing medical checks, and staying in contact with Kenyan embassies while abroad.

He said ongoing legislative reforms and new guidelines on psychosocial support are being developed to further safeguard migrant workers and improve workplace conditions both locally and internationally.

By Ekuwam Sylvester