West Pokot residents have been sensitized on employment opportunities abroad and how to safely access overseas jobs, amid growing interest among young people seeking work outside the country.

The sensitisation forums, organised by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs under the Kazi Majuu initiative, began with National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and local leaders, who are expected to disseminate the information to residents at the grassroots.

Jennifer Wanami, who led a delegation from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, said many Kenyans were interested in seeking employment abroad, but lacked accurate information on available opportunities and the procedures for securing jobs legally.

“From our Mashinani interactions here in West Pokot, the indication is very clear that so many people are keen on seeking employment outside the country, but lack accurate information,” Wanami.

She said the department had started by training government officers because they are in direct contact with residents and frequently receive questions and complaints concerning overseas employment.

Wanami said remittances from Kenyans working abroad had become an important source of foreign exchange and were contributing to the country’s economy.

She said the Kazi Majuu initiative was aimed at equipping Kenyans with information on legitimate overseas employment opportunities and the procedures for accessing them to reduce cases of illegal migration and exploitation.

“Our aim is to empower West Pokot residents with information regarding diaspora job markets so that they make informed decisions when interacting with agents,” she said.

Wanami urged NGAOs to use the knowledge acquired during the sensitisation forums to protect residents, particularly young people, from fraudsters and unscrupulous recruitment agents exploiting the growing demand for overseas jobs.

She said people who followed legitimate recruitment procedures had secured employment abroad and used their earnings to improve the livelihoods of their families and communities.

NGAOs participants.

West Pokot County Commissioner David Saruni said the forums were timely, noting that NGAOs had often faced difficulties responding to questions from residents about overseas employment opportunities.

Saruni said the sensitisation had equipped government officers with basic information they could use when advising members of the public.

“NGAOs are critical in informing the public on emerging issues because residents always seek direction and advice on matters of public interest,” he said.

The State Department delegation is scheduled to hold additional public forums at Sigor in Pokot Central, Kitelakapel Technical and Vocational Training Institute, Kapenguria Kenya Medical Training College and Kapenguria Technical and Vocational College.

Some participants said reports of Kenyans experiencing difficulties, while working abroad had made some prospective migrants hesitant about seeking overseas employment.

The sensitisation campaign is expected to provide residents with information on legitimate job opportunities, recruitment procedures and safeguards against fraudulent agents before they make decisions to work abroad.

By Richard Muhambe