Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced a new government initiative that will provide loans of up to Ksh300,000 to Kenyan youth who have secured employment opportunities in foreign countries but are struggling with pre-departure expenses.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, February 19, CS Mutua revealed that the funds will be drawn from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (Youth Fund) and will be available under a new program called “Kazi Majuu.”
He explained that the loans are intended to support young Kenyans who have successfully landed jobs in countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other international destinations but cannot afford the upfront costs associated with relocating. These expenses include things like:
- Visa application fees
- Airfare
- Medical checkups
- Travel insurance
- Other essential pre-travel costs
“Through the Kazi Majuu initiative, the Youth Fund will offer migration loans of up to Ksh300,000 to eligible youth who have secured overseas employment but are facing financial difficulties in covering pre-travel requirements,” said CS Mutua.
Thousands of Job Opportunities Secured, But Many Left Behind
Mutua noted that the Kenya Kwanza government has successfully negotiated and secured thousands of job openings abroad for Kenyan youth.
However, a significant number of qualified applicants are unable to take advantage of these opportunities because they lack the funds needed to cover travel and relocation expenses.
The Cabinet Secretary pointed out that this financial barrier has caused many young people to miss out on promising international job opportunities that could transform their lives. He emphasized that this loan initiative aims to bridge that gap and ensure that deserving youth do not lose these chances simply due to lack of money.
Youth Fund Already Benefiting Hundreds
According to CS Mutua, the Youth Fund has already begun disbursing these loans. In the current financial year alone, Ksh94 million has been released, benefiting 422 youth who are now on their way to jobs abroad or in the process of relocating.
He stressed that this new support system is part of the government’s wider plan to promote labour mobility by helping Kenyan youth access decent and competitive employment beyond the country’s borders.
“This initiative is in line with our long-term commitment to empower the youth by helping them tap into global job markets. It provides financial support so they can access well-paying, dignified jobs, which in turn improves their lives and contributes to Kenya’s overall economic development,” Mutua added.
A Boost for Kenya’s Youth and Economy
The Kazi Majuu loan initiative reflects the government’s focus on addressing youth unemployment and making global opportunities more accessible. By removing the financial barriers that often stand in the way, the government hopes to:
- Enable more youth to work abroad
- Strengthen household incomes
- Increase remittances sent back to Kenya
- Stimulate long-term economic growth
With many young people seeking employment overseas, the initiative is seen as a timely intervention that could make a real difference in reducing joblessness and supporting Kenya’s young workforce.
If implemented successfully, this program could serve as a model for expanding access to global labor markets and empowering the youth to explore opportunities beyond Kenya’s borders.
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