The government has flagged off 27 Kenyan graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions for employment in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as it expands efforts to secure overseas jobs for skilled young people.
The graduates, trained in technical fields such as plumbing, electrical installation and construction, will travel under the government’s Kazi Majuu programme, which connects Kenyan jobseekers with employment opportunities in international labour markets.
The latest deployment comes as the government reveals that foreign employers have requested 5,194 Kenyan workers, with additional opportunities emerging in the United Kingdom.
Government shifts focus from training to job placement
Speaking during the flagging-off ceremony, TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Muoria said the government was moving beyond providing technical training to ensuring graduates secure employment after completing their studies.
Muoria explained that the State Department for TVET was working to align training programmes with the skills required by employers in Kenya and abroad.
“We have made it our commitment to train our young people with the end in mind. We don’t just want to train you, we want to ensure you have work,” she said.
She added that the government intended to connect graduates with available employment opportunities rather than leave them struggling to find jobs after completing their training.
Affordable housing and Dangote refinery among employment opportunities
The PS identified several ongoing development projects that could absorb skilled Kenyan workers.
These include the affordable housing programme, road construction projects and major industrial developments such as the Dangote Oil Refinery.
According to Muoria, the government wants to ensure graduates benefit from employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
“It is the responsibility of the government of Kenya and in particular the State Department to ensure that whether it is within the country working on projects like the affordable housing, Dangote Oil Refinery, among others or out of the country, we train and place you accordingly for work,” she said.
UK seeks Kenyan workers as foreign job requests reach 5,194
Muoria also disclosed that the Kazi Majuu programme had received requests from foreign employers seeking 5,194 Kenyan workers.
She singled out the United Kingdom as another destination seeking skilled Kenyan workers, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“The Kazi Majuu team has received a request of 5,194 employees from partner employers to have young skilled Kenyans going abroad. We also have the UK that needs Kenyans to work in their agricultural sector,” Muoria stated.
The requests point to potential opportunities for Kenyan graduates and other skilled workers seeking employment outside the country.
Muoria gives graduates message ahead of Dubai jobs
The TVET PS urged the 27 graduates travelling to Dubai to maintain discipline and respect the laws and regulations of their host country.
She reminded them that their conduct would influence how Kenyans are perceived internationally.
“You are our ambassadors there; please represent us well,” she said.
Muoria further encouraged the graduates to use their overseas employment experience to develop additional professional skills.
She said those who complete their employment contracts should consider returning to Kenya with the expertise gained abroad to support local industries and economic development.
How the Kazi Majuu programme connects Kenyans to overseas jobs
The Kazi Majuu programme, implemented through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the Diaspora Placement Agency, seeks to connect Kenyan jobseekers with verified employment opportunities in foreign labour markets.
The initiative also provides pre-departure preparation, migration support and links to overseas employers.
These measures are intended to help Kenyans access international employment while reducing their exposure to fraudulent recruitment practices.
Officials from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs assured the graduates that the government would continue supporting them throughout their stay abroad.
The support includes assistance through Kenyan diplomatic missions and diaspora support structures.
Also Read: Kang’ata Explains Uhuru Kenyatta’s Role in Linda Mwananchi Movement Political Movements
