Government launches German language training at Meru University

The government has launched the training of Germany language at Meru University of Science and Technology in a bid to enhance Kenyans employability abroad and protect them from exploitation by unscrupulous agents.

According to Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, the initiative is meant to advance skills for Kenya’s seeking jobs oversees marking a new chapter in the country’s international labour mobility agenda.

Njogu said the launch represents a milestone in Kenya’s efforts to prepare its workforce for global employment opportunities, particularly in Europe.

The PS described the programme as a strategic intervention under the Kenya–Germany Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, signed in September 2024.

She added that the agreement establishes structured pathways for the legal migration of skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers to Germany.

“The partnership opens opportunities in high-demand sectors such as engineering, information technology, nursing, transportation, masonry, electrical work and plumbing,” PS Njogu said, noting that language proficiency is a critical enabler of safe, dignified and productive labour mobility.

She urged young people and job seekers to invest in foreign language training, noting that language skills are increasingly critical for those planning to work abroad or engage in online jobs in the global market.

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Njogu said initiatives such as foreign language training will enhance the employability of Kenyans while protecting them from exploitation by unscrupulous agents.

She commended Meru University for hosting the launch and for its designation as an Overseas Skilled Worker (OSD) examination centre, a move expected to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to prepare candidates for international placement.

PS Njogu also highlighted the university’s Training-to-Placement Framework (TPF), developed by the Department of Languages and Linguistics, which directly links language training to employment opportunities abroad.

She urged students to take ownership of their migration journeys.

“Learn all you can, take control of your migration journey, and stay on the straight and narrow path in your daily activities,” she said.

The PS emphasised that language proficiency is essential not only for employability and workplace integration, but also for the protection of workers’ rights.

She cautioned against unethical recruitment practices and warned of the risks of human trafficking, calling for vigilance and strict adherence to approved migration channels.

“The programme is being implemented through partnerships with institutions and organisations including HTV Africa, the Youth Fund and the Uwezo Fund, and it is set to benefit learners from at least six neighbouring counties including Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Kitui.

The government, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, is supporting the initiative under the Kazi Majuu programme, which focuses on affordability, sustainability, quality assurance and ethical recruitment, with a strong emphasis on the inclusion of youth and women.

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PS Njogu called on county governments, universities and private sector players to support training, mentorship, job placement and the reintegration of returning workers, enabling them to channel acquired skills and savings into Kenya’s socio-economic development.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with line ministries, state agencies, county governments, German partners and other international stakeholders to strengthen investment in human capital.

PS Njogu invited stakeholders to scale up the model for mutual benefit between Kenya and its global partners.

She noted that more than 530,000 Kenyans have secured employment abroad in the last two and a half years through the government’s Kazi Majuu programme.

PS Njogu cautioned Kenyans seeking overseas jobs to be vigilant against fake recruitment agents involved in illegal human trafficking disguised as job placements.

She emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding safe and structured labour migration opportunities for Kenyans.

Meru University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo said the programme will open doors to job opportunities abroad.

“Germany has over 4,000 job openings annually for both skilled and unskilled workers. Learning the language increases employability,” said the VC.

He noted that German is spoken by more than 130 million people worldwide and that the six-month intensive training, covering levels A1, A2 and B1, will benefit job seekers in the Upper Eastern region.

“This programme is meant to promote labour mobility and give our youth a chance to access decent jobs abroad,”Odhiambo said.

He welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to transform lives and position the institution as a regional hub for international skills training.

By John Majau