- The State Department for Diaspora Affairs is working with TVET institutions to prepare graduates for safe, structured employment abroad.
- Kenyan embassies, labour attachés, and a 24‑hour response centre safeguard citizens overseas, with recent evacuations proving commitment.
- Programmes like the Kenya–Germany initiative equip graduates with international skills, expand safe migration pathways, and promote economic growth through “brain gain.”
The government has stepped up efforts to protect its citizens working overseas by strengthening collaboration between government agencies and training institutions, even as the country expands its labour mobility programme to new destinations.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and local polytechnics to prepare graduates for international employment while safeguarding their welfare before departure, during their stay abroad, and upon return.
Speaking during the graduation of 31 students from Kiambu National Polytechnic, the first cohort selected to travel to Germany under the Kenya–Germany Labour Mobility Programme, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu said the partnership between her department and TVET institutions is central to ensuring safe and productive migration. While her office negotiates bilateral labour agreements with foreign governments, TVET institutions equip learners with technical skills demanded by international employers.
“We partner with TVET institutions because they are the source of skilled young Kenyans taking up these opportunities. Our responsibility is to ensure they are prepared for employment abroad and that their rights and welfare are protected throughout their journey,” Njogu said.
ALSO READ:
31 Kiambu Poly graduates head to Germany under Kenya Germany Labour Mobility Programme
The programme will provide apprenticeships and jobs in hospitality and landscaping, marking a milestone in Kenya’s structured migration agenda.
She emphasized that the government’s responsibility does not end once graduates leave the country. Kenyan embassies, high commissions, and consulates serve as the first point of contact for citizens facing challenges abroad, while labour attachés in key destinations provide direct assistance to migrant workers.
Njogu added that the State Department operates a 24‑hour response centre where Kenyans or their families can report emergencies or distress cases. The department also coordinates evacuation and repatriation exercises, citing the recent evacuation of 477 Kenyans from South Africa as proof of its commitment.
Beyond emergency interventions, Njogu highlighted strengthened pre‑departure orientation programmes conducted in collaboration with TVET institutions. These sessions ensure migrant workers understand their rights, contractual obligations, and available support services before leaving the country.
She warned that most distress cases involve individuals recruited through unlicensed agents or informal networks. Over 700 rogue recruitment agencies have been deregistered in the past three years as part of efforts to streamline the sector. Job seekers were urged to verify agencies through the National Employment Authority (NEA), which maintains an updated register of licensed recruiters.
“The majority of challenges we encounter involve people who bypass established labour migration systems. We encourage every Kenyan seeking employment abroad to confirm that the recruitment agency they are dealing with is licensed,” Njogu said.
ALSO READ:
NCTC trains teachers to detect early signs of extremist recruitment in schools
Principal Secretary for TVET Dr. Esther Muoria said the collaboration ensures graduates are trained with international labour market requirements in mind. She described the initiative as a “brain gain” strategy, arguing that Kenyans working abroad will acquire advanced skills and global experience that will ultimately benefit the economy.
“We are training young people for opportunities that already exist. Through collaboration with Diaspora Affairs and our international partners, we are ensuring graduates leave the country through safe, structured, and government‑supported channels,” Muoria said.
She noted that the pilot programme involving 31 graduates will expand to more TVET institutions nationwide as Kenya strengthens labour mobility partnerships with international employers.
Kiambu National Polytechnic Chief Principal Sammy Waititu praised the collaboration, saying it has transformed the institution’s vision of preparing students for the global labour market into reality. He noted that the graduates underwent rigorous technical training, language preparation, and interviews before being selected for employment in Germany.
“The partnership between TVET institutions and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs gives our students confidence because they know they will continue receiving government support even after they leave Kenya,” Waititu said.
By Felix Wanderi
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
