By Collins Wanzallah
Principal Secretary for diaspora affairs Roseline Njogu has said that youths will be empowered with relevant skills to align them with the current job market. The PS emphasized the importance of skill development and training in meeting the demands of the global labour market.
The PS made the remarks at the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Ujuzi Mashinani program held at the Madaraka Primary School Grounds in Buuri Constituency, where she was the chief guest. She called on the Kenyan youth to take full advantage of opportunities available both within the country and internationally.
“The government is committed to protecting, facilitating, regulating, and creating sound policies that will not only support Kenyan youth in the international labor market but also enhance the skills repository of our country,” she stated according to a dispatch sent to the newsrooms.
The graduation ceremony, organized by area MP Mugambi Rindikiri, brought together students from five Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Buuri Sub-County. The initiative, according to the MP, has benefited hundreds of youths by providing them with essential information, skills, and equipment to kickstart their businesses.
Njogu also said he was keen to facilitate job placements for Kenyans seeking employment abroad. She noted the government’s commitment to ensuring that the youth are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in both local and global markets.
“As the government continues to reinforce its support for youth empowerment, all stakeholders should join hands in creating a brighter future for the youth of Kenya,” she said. Njogu. The PS reaffirmed the Government of Kenya’s commitment to its citizens both at home and in the Diaspora.
PS Njogu emphasized the government’s obligation to provide relevant information and support to all Kenyans seeking to grow and expand their careers. She also highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government approach in ensuring that citizens are informed about opportunities and protection mechanisms available to them.
“As government, we have a duty to our people. This includes availing accurate information and resources to safeguard them from exploitation, particularly by rogue recruiting agents and agencies,” she stressed. The PS outlined the collaborative efforts between the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, other government agencies, and private stakeholders to create sound policies that protect and facilitate Kenyans looking for opportunities in the international labour market.
Additionally, PS Njogu announced that the information gathered during the session would be compiled into a sensitization package for NGAO officers to share with their constituents, particularly the youth.
“The package aims to inform them about the recruitment process, job opportunities, and the necessary precautions to take, the dispatch read in part. On the sidelines of the main event, PS Njogu also led a pre-departure session for candidates shortlisted under the Mkulima Majuu program, providing them with essential information before their departure.
Earlier on, the PS paid a courtesy visit to the Premier Maritime Training Institute (PMTI), in Nkubu town, where she was taken through rigorous training for the attainment of the STCW certification for those seeking to venture into the maritime sector.
In Nkubu, she said that the government remained committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all Kenyans, both at home and abroad, adding that it will continue to engage in initiatives that empower its citizens.