Government shifts focus from Middle East to safer, better-regulated destinations as remittances hit Sh1 trillion annually
Werugha, Kenya| In a major boost for Kenyan youth grappling with unemployment, the Ministry of Labour and Skills Development has announced the securing of more than 15,000 verified overseas job opportunities in Europe and Canada, with zero recruitment fees or agent commissions required.
Speaking to hundreds of youth in Werugha Ward, Taita Taveta County, Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime revealed that the positions cover paramedic and healthcare-related roles.
There are 5,000 openings in this category. Another 10,000 positions are available in construction and skilled trades. Thousands of seasonal agricultural jobs lasting up to six months are also open in Europe.
“No commissions are required. Kenyan youth only need a valid passport and a medical report to apply,” PS Mwadime emphasised, adding that the government has introduced a dedicated green channel at the Department of Immigration Services to fast-track passport processing for labour migration applicants.
Applications under the green channel are now being processed in as little as two weeks, with many labour migration cases cleared even faster.
Strategic Shift Away from Middle East Migration
The new opportunities mark a deliberate pivot in Kenya’s labour export strategy. While more than 300,000 Kenyans currently work in Gulf and Middle Eastern countries, contributing approximately Sh1 trillion (about USD 5 billion) in annual remittances, numerous reports of exploitation, withheld passports, and poor working conditions have prompted the government to prioritise safer destinations.
“We want our youth to work in countries with strong labour laws, proper contracts, social security, and respect for human rights,” the PS stated. “Europe and Canada offer exactly that.”
Over 400,000 Local Jobs Also Available
While encouraging youth to explore international opportunities, PS Mwadime reminded the gathering that the National Employment Authority (NEA) currently lists more than 400,000 active job vacancies within Kenya.
“I urge every young person to visit the NEA portal, assess their skills, and apply for positions that match their qualifications,” he said.
How Kenyan Youth Can Apply
Kenyan youth should obtain a valid passport through the fast-tracked labour migration green channel.
They must undergo a basic medical examination and get the report. They can then register and apply through official government channels. No private agents are needed.
The Ministry has repeatedly warned against rogue recruitment agencies demanding upfront payments, reaffirming that all legitimate overseas placements under this programme are 100% free for applicants.
A Game-Changer for Youth Employment
With youth unemployment remaining one of Kenya’s most pressing challenges, the announcement has been hailed as a potential turning point.
By eliminating exploitative middlemen and redirecting migration toward regulated markets, the government aims to create safer pathways to dignified work and higher earnings abroad while continuing to grow formal employment at home.
Youth interested in the overseas opportunities are urged to immediately begin the passport application process and monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Labour and the National Employment Authority.
As Kenya positions itself as a leading source of skilled labour for Europe and North America, the message from Werugha is clear: legitimate, life-changing jobs are now within reach – and they start with a single document: your passport.
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