Skills strategy launched in Kenya

© ILO

© ILO

Nairobi, Kenya (ILO News) - On September 30, the National Labour Migration Strategy was officially launched in Kenya. Hon. Shadrack Mawadime, the Principal Secretary, initiated the meeting by emphasizing the Kenyan government's commitment to enhancing the governance framework surrounding labour migration while addressing the pressing issue of rising youth unemployment in the country. He pointed out that the youth demographic, particularly those aged 20 to 24, faces the highest unemployment rate, which stands at 24.5%. The Principal Secretary also highlighted that the Strategy aligns with the constitutional mandate of the right to education and aims to help Kenya transition from being primarily a source of low-skilled labour to a provider of skilled workers.

The Director of the ILO Country Office in Dar es Salaam encouraged stakeholders to maintain their efforts beyond the initial launch of the Strategy. She stressed the importance of the Government of Kenya developing effective pathways to collaborate with other nations on skilled labour initiatives. Ms. Caroline Mugalla called on the Kenya Kwanza government to intensify its commitment to key initiatives, including the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the completion and implementation of the Arabian Model House in Mombasa.

During the meeting, participants engaged in discussions surrounding the four pillars of the Strategy, contributing insights based on their diverse backgrounds. Among the significant recommendations was the inclusion of foreign language training—specifically French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, German, and Spanish—to enhance the employability of Kenyans in various countries. It was noted that individuals who possess foreign language skills often achieve greater success abroad. Additionally, there was a strong call for government officials involved in bilateral labour agreements (BLAs) to be proficient in a second foreign language. Other important suggestions included recognizing sign language within the Strategy to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities, prioritizing a Labour Force Survey to assess skill availability and gaps, and integrating financial literacy into the Strategy to ensure migrant workers maximize their socio-economic benefits.

The meeting concluded with a request to the Ministry of Labour to refine the Strategy by incorporating the feedback received, particularly regarding the implementation plan. Participants expressed the need for a follow-up meeting where various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) could take ownership of the Strategy and develop their sectoral implementation plans. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the successful execution of the National Labour Migration Strategy in Kenya.