Govt to Issue Ksh300,000 Loans for Kenyans Job Seekers Abroad to Get Loans of Up to Ksh300K
The government has announced a new initiative offering loans of up to Ksh300,000 to Kenyans securing jobs abroad. The funds will be drawn from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), a programme originally designed to support youth entrepreneurship.
Under the new plan, dubbed Kazi Majuu, the Youth Fund will also cater to Kenyans struggling with pre-travel expenses such as visa fees, airfare, and medical examinations.
“The government has secured job opportunities abroad, but many qualified youth cannot take them up due to financial constraints. This partnership will help bridge that gap and instil a savings culture,” stated Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.
A government statement released on Wednesday, February 19, confirmed that the initiative aims to assist job seekers who have secured employment opportunities but lack the financial means to facilitate their relocation.
Expanding the Youth Fund’s Scope
Traditionally, the Youth Fund was intended to combat unemployment by offering loans to youth-run enterprises and supporting agribusiness initiatives. However, recent discussions have explored restructuring it to focus on innovation, livelihoods, and broader financial support for young Kenyans.
As of December 2024, over 243,000 Kenyans have secured jobs abroad through government initiatives since September 2022. The administration now targets deploying one million workers annually over the next three years.
Kenyan workers have been placed in various countries, including Germany, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait, in sectors such as domestic work, security, and hospitality. Other potential job destinations include Canada, Australia, the UK, and Northern Ireland.
Pre-travel costs for migrant workers can be substantial, with airfare alone ranging from Ksh70,000 to Ksh300,000, depending on the destination. Recruitment agencies have also charged job seekers up to Ksh120,000 for placement services.
Youth Fund CEO Josiah Arabu Moriasi reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to supporting labour mobility by eliminating financial barriers.
“In the current financial year, we have disbursed Ksh94 million to 422 youth, with a 100 per cent loan repayment rate,” Moriasi said.
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Govt to Issue Ksh300,000 Loans for Kenyans Job Seekers Abroad to Get Loans of Up to Ksh300K
