The Government has urged young Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad to exercise due diligence, acquire the necessary skills and ensure they have proper documentation before travelling as part of efforts to promote safe, orderly and regular labour migration.

Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said the Government was taking information on overseas employment opportunities and available support services directly to communities to enable young people make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agencies and human trafficking.

Speaking during a diaspora sensitization exercise held on the sidelines of the third edition of the Kazi Majuu Football Tournament at Kianjai Primary School in Tigania West, Ms Njogu said the Government was committed to expanding opportunities for Kenyans abroad while safeguarding their rights and welfare.

She said more than 600,000 Kenyans had so far benefited from the Kazi Majuu programme, which seeks to connect Kenyans with employment opportunities abroad while promoting safe labour mobility.

She added that talent meets opportunity through Kazi Majuu, noting that the initiative uses football and other community activities to engage young people on employment, skills development and opportunities in the diaspora.

The PS said diaspora remittances had continued to make a significant contribution to the Kenyan economy, increasing by 25 per cent from about US$4 billion in 2024 to US$5 billion in 2025.

The third edition of the Kazi Majuu Football Tournament brought together 59 teams and hundreds of young people from Tigania West, with participants receiving football kits and balls while winners were awarded cash prizes.

Ms Njogu said the tournament was not only about football but also provided an avenue for the Government and its partners to engage young people on safe migration, employment opportunities, skills development and the dangers associated with fraudulent recruitment and human trafficking.

Government agencies and partners, including the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Huduma Kenya, Premier Maritime Training Institute, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), HAART Kenya and Kenya Red Cross, participated in the event by providing information, sensitization and services to the youth.

PS also met some Kenyans who had returned from the diaspora after benefiting from the Kazi Majuu programme, as well as young people benefiting from the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.

She said taking Government services and opportunities closer to the people was critical in ensuring that young Kenyans, particularly those in rural areas, had access to accurate information before making decisions about seeking employment abroad.

Ms Njogu encouraged the youth to verify recruitment agencies and employment offers, acquire relevant skills and understand the terms and conditions of employment before travelling.

She said the Government’s diaspora agenda included expanding access to legitimate employment opportunities abroad while protecting the rights, welfare and interests of Kenyans working outside the country.

By Dickson Mwiti