Gov't flags off 27 TVET graduates for jobs in Dubai under Kazi Majuu programme

By Kevin Githuku

The government has flagged off 27 Kenyan graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions for employment in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under its Kazi Majuu programme.

The graduates, trained in various technical fields including plumbing, electrical installation and construction, are expected to take up overseas jobs as the government steps up efforts to link skills development with employment opportunities in both local and international labour markets.

Speaking during the flagging-off ceremony, TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Muoria said the government was shifting its focus from training young people to ensuring they secure jobs after completing their studies.

“We have made it our commitment to train our young people with the end in mind. We don't just want to train you, we want to ensure you have work,” said Muoria.

She said the State Department for TVET was working to ensure graduates acquire skills that match the demands of ongoing development projects and industries, both within Kenya and abroad.

Muoria cited opportunities in the affordable housing programme, road construction and major industrial projects, including the Dangote Oil Refinery, as areas where skilled Kenyan workers could be absorbed.

“It is the responsibility of the government of Kenya and in particular the State Department to ensure that whether it is within the country working on projects like the affordable housing, Dangote Oil Refinery, among others or out of the country, we train and place you accordingly for work,” she said.

The PS urged the graduates heading to Dubai to uphold discipline, respect the laws of their host country and maintain a positive image of Kenya.

“You are our ambassadors there; please represent us well,” she said.

Muoria further disclosed that the Kazi Majuu programme had received requests for 5,194 Kenyan workers from foreign employers, signalling growing demand for the country's skilled workforce.

She said the United Kingdom was also seeking Kenyan workers, particularly for opportunities in the agricultural sector.

“The Kazi Majuu team has received a request of 5,194 employees from partner employers to have young skilled Kenyans going abroad. We also have the UK that needs Kenyans to work in their agricultural sector,” said Muoria.

The PS said overseas employment offered graduates an opportunity to earn a living while gaining valuable professional experience, exposure and additional skills that could benefit Kenya's economy upon their return.

She encouraged the graduates to consider bringing back the expertise acquired abroad after completing their employment contracts to support local industries.

The Kazi Majuu programme, implemented through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the Diaspora Placement Agency, seeks to connect Kenyan jobseekers with verified employment opportunities in foreign labour markets.

The initiative also provides pre-departure preparation, migration support and links to overseas employers as part of broader government efforts to expand access to international employment while protecting Kenyans from fraudulent recruitment practices.

Officials from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs assured the graduates of continued government support throughout their stay abroad, including assistance through Kenyan diplomatic missions and diaspora support structures.