The government has intensified collaboration between the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as it seeks to equip more young Kenyans for overseas employment while guaranteeing their protection before departure, during their stay abroad and after their return home.
The strengthened partnership was highlighted during the graduation of the first cohort of 31 Kiambu National Polytechnic trainees selected to work and undertake apprenticeships in Germany under the Kenya-Germany Labour Mobility Programme.
The initiative forms part of the bilateral labour mobility agreement between Kenya and Germany, which aims to create safe and structured employment opportunities for skilled Kenyan workers while addressing labour shortages in the European nation.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu said the labour mobility programme goes beyond securing overseas jobs, stressing that the government’s priority is to ensure Kenyans working abroad are protected and supported throughout their migration journey.
She explained that while the State Department for Diaspora Affairs negotiates labour agreements with foreign governments, TVET institutions are responsible for producing graduates with the skills required in international labour markets.
According to Njogu, the close cooperation between the two institutions ensures that graduates are adequately prepared for overseas employment and understand the realities of living and working in foreign countries.
She said the department remains actively involved even after workers leave Kenya by providing support through Kenyan embassies, high commissions and consulates across the world.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that Kenyans pursuing employment opportunities abroad travel through safe and legal channels and continue receiving government support whenever they require assistance,” she said.
Njogu noted that Kenya has established a network of labour attachés in major destination countries to assist workers facing employment or welfare challenges.
She added that diaspora associations also play an important role by helping newly arrived Kenyans integrate into their host communities while offering guidance whenever problems arise.
To strengthen emergency response, the Principal Secretary said the State Department for Diaspora Affairs operates a round-the-clock response centre in Nairobi where Kenyans abroad and their families can report emergencies and seek assistance.
She pointed to recent government-led evacuation exercises, including the successful evacuation of hundreds of Kenyans from South Africa, as evidence of the department’s preparedness to respond to crises affecting citizens overseas.
Njogu emphasized that the government has also invested heavily in pre-departure orientation programmes aimed at preparing migrant workers for life abroad.
The training covers workers’ rights, employment contracts, cultural adaptation, available support systems and procedures for reporting workplace challenges.
She observed that many of the difficulties experienced by Kenyan migrant workers arise from irregular migration, where individuals bypass official recruitment channels.
“The majority of distress cases involve people who travel through unlicensed agents or informal recruitment networks. Those using government-approved pathways generally receive adequate preparation and protection,” she said.
Njogu urged job seekers to verify recruitment agencies through the National Employment Authority (NEA), which maintains an updated register of licensed agencies and firms whose licences have been suspended or cancelled.
She revealed that the government’s efforts to streamline overseas recruitment have resulted in the removal of more than 700 rogue recruitment agencies over the last three years.
Principal Secretary for TVET Dr. Esther Muoria said the partnership with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs reflects the government’s commitment to linking technical education directly with employment opportunities.
She said TVET institutions are increasingly designing training programmes that respond to global labour market demands while ensuring graduates possess internationally recognised competencies.
Muoria described the initiative as an investment in Kenya’s future workforce, saying graduates who gain international exposure will eventually return with advanced technical knowledge and valuable industry experience.
“This programme is about developing human capital. Our young people will acquire new technologies, modern work practices and specialised skills that will ultimately contribute to Kenya’s economic transformation,” she said.
She added that the first group of 31 graduates represents only the beginning of a larger programme expected to benefit thousands of trainees from TVET institutions across the country.
Kiambu National Polytechnic Chief Principal Sammy Waititu said the institution has embraced international partnerships as part of its vision of producing graduates who can compete successfully in the global labour market.
He said the selected graduates underwent intensive technical training, German language instruction and a rigorous selection process before qualifying for placement in Germany.
Waititu challenged the graduates to become ambassadors of Kenya by demonstrating professionalism, discipline and excellence in their workplaces.
He expressed confidence that their success would strengthen Germany’s confidence in Kenyan talent and open more opportunities for future cohorts.
Government officials said the collaboration between the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the State Department for TVET and international partners has established a model for safe labour migration that combines quality skills training, structured recruitment and continuous welfare support.
They expressed optimism that the programme will not only reduce youth unemployment but also position Kenya as a leading source of highly skilled professionals for the global labour market while ensuring the dignity, safety and well-being of citizens working abroad.
