- Kazi Majuu programme records growth as more Kenyans secure opportunities abroad
- Government steps up efforts to prepare youth for jobs in international markets
- Sports tournaments used to connect young people with employment and government services
Kenyans abroad earned an impressive $5 billion in foreign exchange after about 600,000 Kenyans were employed abroad under the ‘Kazi Majuu’ programme, which was initiated three and a half years ago.
Diaspora Principal Secretary (PS) Roseline Njogu said the ambitious programme has grown by 25 per cent in the last three and a half years, up from the $4 billion recorded previously.
Speaking during the launch of the third edition of the programme at Kianjai Primary School today, Njogu revealed that 6 million Kenyans have indirectly benefited since each of the 600,000 Kenyans has about 10 family members enjoying the goodies.
“The Kazi Majuu programme has grown by 25 per cent since it was initiated three and a half years ago. This amounts to $5 billion up from the $4 billion in the previous years. The ambitious initiative is working and making a big impact to Kenyans and specifically youth who are the main beneficiaries. I urge residents to embrace it by enrolling to enable them benefit. So far we have over 600,000 beneficiaries with each having 10 members translating to 6 million Kenyans,” said the Diaspora PS.
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She lauded President William Ruto for spearheading the ‘Kazi Majuu’ programme, noting the figure rose from 583,000 Kenyans just recently.
She said the programme is meant to help the youth secure jobs at the grassroots, digital and abroad.
“All the winners will walk away with games kitty, balls, trophies and awards. I encourage the youth to fully embrace the programme by registering through the right channels since they stand to benefit from vital government services both locally and abroad.”
She said some of the beneficiaries have already completed their courses and returned to Kenya, while others have secured jobs abroad, with the United Kingdom the preferred destination.
PS Njogu said sports is a platform to inform and sensitise the youth on the advantages of the government’s interventions in solving unemployment.
“We are using sports as a platform to inform the youth about the advantages of the government services from the grassroots to national level. Certified skilled labour from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and a licence from a genuine travel agency is the key to qualify to go abroad for various countries. During this tournament youth will be informed on how to look for jobs as they interact with our officers on the ground,” said PS Njogu.
She said through such events the ministry is able to engage and educate young people about the government’s three-pronged agenda, including Kazi Kwa Ground, Kazi Majuu and Kazi Kwa Mtandao.
“The football tournament has become an important aspect in educating what ‘Kazi Majuu’ is and its importance in having youths’ skills and abilities recognised globally,” said PS Njogu.
PS Njogu said the role of TVET institutions is to build the skilled labour needed in the market because they specialise in producing skill-based professionals.
She advised potential job seekers to get a passport and a skill, which will help them sell themselves and enter another society at a higher level.
“I advise all potential job seekers to ensure they get a passport and a skill to help them market themselves and enter another society at a higher level. All jobseekers should work with licensed private recruitment agencies (PRAs) and whose information can be found on the state department’s,” said the PS.
Expressing similar sentiments, Cooperative PS Patrick Kilemi lauded the initiative, terming it a game changer meant to transform many Kenyans economically.
He said soon the ratio of beneficiaries will be four out of 10 who are direct recipients.
He urged Kenyans to embrace the programme by joining a move meant to benefit them fully, noting youth will be actively engaged to ensure they are involved in all aspects.
Kilemi said he is impressed by the programme, noting that due to the education system in the country, many Kenyans are currently employed abroad.
By John Majau
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