The government will provide loans of up to Sh300,000 to Kenyans looking for jobs abroad.
The funds will come from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), which was originally set up to reduce youth unemployment by supporting businesses owned by young people.
In a new shift, the fund will now also help Kenyans who have secured jobs overseas but cannot afford travel costs. This initiative, called Kazi Majuu, aims to assist job seekers with expenses like airfare, visa fees, and other pre-travel costs.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua explained that while the government has secured job opportunities in various countries, many young people struggle to take up these positions due to financial limitations. “This partnership will help bridge the gap and promote a savings culture,” he said.
A government statement issued on February 19 confirmed that eligible candidates can apply for migration loans of up to Sh300,000 under Kazi Majuu. The Youth Fund was initially designed to support youth-led businesses by providing loans and financial assistance. Over time, discussions have focused on restructuring it to include funding for innovation and employment-related initiatives.
Since September 2022, more than 243,000 Kenyans have secured jobs abroad through government programs. The government now aims to help one million Kenyans migrate for work each year over the next three years.
Kenyan workers have been deployed to countries such as Germany, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait, mainly in domestic work, security, and hospitality sectors. Other destinations, including Canada, Australia, the UK, and Northern Ireland, are also being explored for job opportunities.
Travel costs vary depending on the country, with one-way airfare ranging from Sh70,000 to Ksh300,000. Some recruitment agencies charge up to Sh120,000 for job placement services, while additional expenses include passport, visa, and medical examination fees.
Youth Fund CEO Josiah Arabu Moriasi said the fund is committed to removing financial barriers for job seekers. “In the current financial year, we have disbursed Ksh94 million to 422 youth, with a 100 per cent loan repayment rate,” he noted.
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