Kenya targets more foreign job deals as Kazi Majuu placements hit 600,000

Kenya's Kazi Majuu labour mobility programme has facilitated the placement of 600,000 Kenyans abroad over the past three and a half years, as confirmed by Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu. Speaking at a conference in Nairobi, Ms Njogu emphasized that Kazi Majuu is a key element of the government's three-pronged strategy to combat unemployment, alongside local and online job initiatives.

The programme, which seeks to bridge talent shortages in destination countries and meet demand for skilled labor, recently forged a collaboration with Germany following a jobs agreement that has already increased the number of Kenyans working in Germany. Germany currently faces critical shortages in various sectors, partly because of an aging workforce.

Ms Njogu highlighted that Kenya possesses the necessary talent while Germany offers opportunities, and their task is to create connections between the two nations. However, she stressed that successful worker mobility is not merely about moving people abroad but ensuring that the transition leads to stable, secure, and productive employment.

The government is placing a strong emphasis on ethical recruitment practices, clear contracts, and comprehensive preparation for Kenyan workers before and during their migration. The PS also highlighted the importance of recognizing and validating Kenyan professional qualifications in foreign countries so that skilled professionals can continue practicing at their level of expertise.

Language acquisition, particularly German for those targeting Germany, is another critical aspect being prioritized to facilitate integration into new communities and workplaces. Ms Njogu affirmed that the government aims to simplify bureaucratic procedures related to qualification recognition and recruitment, ultimately striving to create a robust and transparent pathway for Kenyan workers seeking employment opportunities abroad.