By Collins Wanzallah
The Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, has announced that youths will be equipped with relevant skills aligned with the current job market.
The PS emphasised the importance of skill development and training to meet the demands of the global labour market. She made these remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Ujuzi Mashinani programme, held at Madaraka Primary School Grounds in Buuri Constituency.
She urged Kenyan youth to take full advantage of opportunities available both within the country and internationally.
“The government is committed to protecting, facilitating, regulating, and creating sound policies that will not only support Kenyan youth in the international labour market but also enhance the skills repository of our country,” she stated, according to a dispatch sent to newsrooms.
The graduation ceremony, organised by area MP Mugambi Rindikiri, brought together students from five Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Buuri Sub-County. According to the MP, the initiative has benefited hundreds of youths by providing them with essential information, skills, and equipment to start their businesses.
Njogu also expressed her commitment to facilitating job placements for Kenyans seeking employment abroad. She noted the Government’s dedication to ensuring that the youth are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in both local and global markets.
“As the Government continues to reinforce its support for youth empowerment, I call on all stakeholders to join hands in creating a brighter future for the youth of Kenya,” said Njogu.
The PS reaffirmed the Government of Kenya’s commitment to its citizens both at home and in the diaspora. She stressed the Government’s duty to provide relevant information and support to all Kenyans seeking to expand their careers internationally.
She also highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government approach in ensuring that citizens are informed about opportunities and protection mechanisms available to them.
“As a government, we have a duty to our people. This includes availing accurate information and resources to safeguard them from exploitation, particularly by rogue recruiting agents and agencies,” she emphasised.
The PS outlined the collaborative efforts between the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, other government agencies, and private stakeholders to create sound policies that protect and facilitate Kenyans looking for opportunities in the international labour market.
Additionally, PS Njogu announced that the information gathered during the session would be compiled into a sensitisation package for NGAO officers to share with their constituents, particularly the youth. “The package aims to inform them about the recruitment process, job opportunities, and the necessary precautions to take,” the dispatch read in part.
On the sidelines of the main event, PS Njogu also led a pre-departure session for candidates shortlisted under the Mkulima Majuu programme, providing them with essential information before their departure.
Earlier, the PS paid a courtesy visit to the Premier Maritime Training Institute (PMTI) in Nkubu town, where she was shown the rigorous training required for the STCW certification for those seeking to venture into the maritime sector.
In Nkubu, she reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of all Kenyans, both at home and abroad, and its continued engagement in initiatives that empower its citizens.