Govt to Offer Ksh300,000 Loans to Kenyans Seeking Jobs Abroad
The Kenyan government has announced a loan program to support citizens seeking employment opportunities in foreign countries.
Under this initiative, qualified individuals can access loans of up to Ksh300,000 to help cover their pre-travel expenses.
The funding will come from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), a program initially designed to support young entrepreneurs in Kenya by providing financial assistance and business development services.
Its primary aim has been to promote youth employment by encouraging entrepreneurship and enterprise growth. However, the government has now expanded the fund’s role to include financial support for Kenyans securing jobs abroad through the Kazi Majuu program.
Addressing Financial Barriers for Job Seekers
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua emphasized the government’s commitment to helping young Kenyans secure overseas job opportunities.
However, many face financial challenges, such as visa application fees, airfare, and recruitment costs, preventing them from taking up these positions.
“The government has successfully secured job opportunities abroad, but many young people cannot afford the costs required to migrate.
This initiative will help bridge that gap and also promote a culture of saving,” Mutua explained in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 19.
Through Kazi Majuu, the government will use the Youth Fund to provide financial support to those who qualify but struggle to cover the costs of moving abroad for work.
The initiative targets young professionals who have already secured jobs in other countries but lack the necessary funds for migration expenses.
Evolution of the Youth Fund
The Youth Fund was initially created to tackle unemployment by offering loans to groups of young entrepreneurs, individual business owners, and youth-led enterprises. It has also supported youth participating in government tenders and agribusiness ventures.
Over time, discussions have been ongoing to restructure the fund to focus more on youth innovation, sustainable livelihoods, and economic empowerment.
Through these reforms, the government aims to expand its support by offering different forms of financial assistance, including grants and low-interest loans, to youth-focused development initiatives.
Growing Opportunities for Kenyan Workers Abroad
Since September 2022, over 243,000 Kenyans have secured employment opportunities in foreign countries through government-supported programs. The government has set an ambitious target to facilitate the migration of one million Kenyan workers annually over the next three years.
Currently, Kenyan workers are deployed to various countries, including Germany, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Kuwait. These workers are mainly employed in sectors such as domestic work, security, and hospitality. Other key destinations identified for Kenyan workers include Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland.
Cost of Relocation and Recruitment Fees
The cost of relocating to a foreign country varies depending on the destination. One-way air tickets can cost anywhere between Ksh70,000 and Ksh300,000, while recruitment agencies charge fees of up to Ksh120,000 for job placement services. Additionally, job seekers must pay for passports, visas, medical examinations, and other travel-related expenses.
To ease this financial burden, the Youth Fund has already disbursed Ksh94 million to 422 young people in the current financial year. According to Youth Fund CEO Josiah Arabu Moriasi, the program has been highly successful, with a 100% loan repayment rate among beneficiaries.
“The Fund remains committed to supporting the government’s labour mobility program by eliminating financial obstacles that prevent young Kenyans from accessing job opportunities abroad,” Moriasi said.
This initiative marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to empower Kenyan youth by not only helping them secure jobs but also providing the necessary financial support to enable their migration. With more job placements expected in the coming years, Kazi Majuu is set to play a key role in reducing unemployment and improving economic prospects for young Kenyans.
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