Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu urged Kenyan youth to exercise caution when seeking employment abroad, emphasizing the need to verify recruitment agencies, acquire essential skills, and secure proper documentation. Speaking during a diaspora sensitization event at the third edition of the Kazi Majuu Football Tournament in Tigania West, Njogu highlighted the government’s efforts to combat fraudulent recruitment and human trafficking by delivering critical information directly to communities. The initiative, part of the Kazi Majuu programme, aims to connect Kenyans with safe, legitimate employment opportunities while safeguarding their rights and welfare.
The Kazi Majuu programme, which has supported over 600,000 Kenyans since its inception, uses community engagement strategies such as football tournaments to address labor migration challenges. The event at Kianjai Primary School featured 59 teams and hundreds of participants, with winners receiving cash prizes and attendees gaining access to resources on skills development and safe migration. Njogu noted that diaspora remittances contributed $5 billion to Kenya’s economy in 2025, a 25% increase from 2024, underscoring the economic significance of regulated labor mobility.
Government agencies and partners, including the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Huduma Kenya, and the Kenya Red Cross, provided on-site information and services to youth. Njogu also met with returnees from the diaspora and participants in the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, reinforcing the government’s focus on rural outreach. She stressed the importance of verifying employment terms and understanding risks, stating that the diaspora agenda prioritizes expanding access to legitimate opportunities while protecting Kenyan workers abroad.
The event highlighted the intersection of sports, education, and labor policy, with football serving as a platform to engage young people on critical issues. Njogu reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring informed decision-making, particularly for rural youth, by bringing services closer to communities. With human trafficking and exploitation remaining persistent threats, the Kazi Majuu initiative remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s strategy to promote safe, orderly, and regular labor migration.