CS Mutua Urges Job Seekers to Use Youth Fund for Overseas Employment Opportunities
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has made a public appeal to thousands of young Kenyans seeking employment abroad: “Apply for migration loans under the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.”
This announcement comes at a critical time when Kenya is experiencing a surge in overseas job opportunities, particularly in countries across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. However, many qualified and willing candidates have been unable to seize these chances due to the high cost of migration—a gap the Youth Fund now aims to fill.
Migration Loans: A New Window of Opportunity
Under the revised Youth Fund framework, Kenyans can now access loans of up to KSh 300,000 to facilitate overseas job placements. These funds can be used to cover:
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Passport and visa processing fees
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Medical examinations and police clearance
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Airfare and relocation costs
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Agency or recruitment service fees
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Pre-departure training and certification
The Fund is designed to be affordable, youth-friendly, and accessible across all counties.
Why the Shift?
CS Mutua explained that the government has identified financial limitations as the single biggest obstacle for Kenyan youth pursuing foreign jobs—even after successfully securing job offers.
“We cannot allow financial barriers to block our young people from transforming their lives. The Youth Fund is not only for business start-ups anymore. It is also here to support youth who are taking their skills abroad,” Mutua stated.
This shift in policy marks a broader government effort to mainstream labour migration as a viable economic pillar, while ensuring ethical recruitment and financial equity.
Complementing the Government’s Global Jobs Strategy
The announcement is part of Kenya’s aggressive global employment strategy, which has already placed thousands of youths in roles such as:
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Domestic and health care workers
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Security guards
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Construction workers
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IT technicians
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Hospitality professionals
These placements are made possible through government-to-government labour agreements, partnerships with licensed agencies, and local recruitment drives conducted in counties such as Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, and Kisumu.
Mitigating Exploitation Risks
CS Mutua also emphasized that accessing financing through the Youth Fund reduces the chances of youth falling prey to unscrupulous brokers and illegal recruiters, who often charge exorbitant, unregulated fees.
The Fund, which is monitored by the government, offers more transparency, lower interest rates, and a repayment grace period, giving youth a safer and more reliable route to finance their migration dreams.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
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Be Kenyan citizens aged 18 to 35
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Provide a valid job offer letter from a verified employer abroad
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Present documentation including a passport and medical certificate
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Complete a pre-departure training or briefing session
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Agree to loan repayment terms upon arrival or employment commencement
The application process can be initiated at Youth Fund offices in every county, or online through the official portal.
Looking Ahead: Jobs, Skills, and Remittances
CS Mutua affirmed the government’s long-term goal: not just to send Kenyans abroad, but to empower them to return with capital, skills, and global exposure that can transform their communities and national economy.
He also hinted that similar support mechanisms may soon be launched under the Women Enterprise Fund and Hustler Fund, allowing even broader sections of the population to benefit.
The inclusion of migration loans under the Youth Enterprise Development Fund is a significant step forward in democratizing access to international job markets. With thousands of youth facing unemployment at home, the government’s message is clear: help is available, and opportunity awaits.
If well-implemented, this could be a major boost not only for individuals and families but also for the national economy—through remittances, skills transfer, and global integration.
