Meru University Spearheads Labour Export Initiative in Collaboration with Diaspora Affairs

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) is intensifying its engagement with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs to enhance overseas employment opportunities for its graduates, aligning academic programmes with global labour demands. 

The university's initiative coincides with a broader government strategy to leverage Kenya's youthful workforce on the international stage, underscored by President William Ruto's recent emphasis on multilingualism as a key enabler for global employability. A high-level delegation from MUST, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Romanus Odhiambo, recently met with the State Department in Nairobi to present the university's capacity to contribute to national labour export efforts. Hosted by Irene Karari, Director of the Skills and Expertise Division, the meeting highlights a shared commitment to facilitating access to international employment for Kenyan graduates.

Professor Odhiambo affirms MUST's commitment to producing globally competitive professionals, emphasising that the university's curriculum is designed to meet international standards. He highlights existing partnerships that facilitate overseas training and job placements, noting the university's proactive approach to global integration. 

"We are ready to collaborate with institutions abroad to ensure our students are not only employable but also equipped with skills that transcend borders," he states.

The dialogue with the State Department forms part of a broader government strategy to formalise and streamline labour mobility pathways. Ms. Karari, representing Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, provides insights into the government's diaspora engagement strategy, including the role of the Diaspora Placement Agency (DPA) in supporting universities. 

"Our goal is to strengthen institutional frameworks that enable young Kenyans to access decent work globally," she explains, underscoring the government's commitment to bridging the gap between local talent and international demand.

The strategic weight of the meeting is reflected in the presence of key stakeholders. The MUST team includes Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Thuranira, Alumni Affairs Director Dr Charles Njati, and Liaison Officer Ms Jecinter Hezron. Representing the State Department are Ms Ann Mruche, Deputy Director for Skills and Expertise, and Foreign Service Officer Ms Velma Mudibo, affirming the institutional commitment to labour internationalisation.

This renewed commitment aligns with President Ruto's public endorsement of multilingualism as a crucial tool for unlocking global employment opportunities. Addressing government officials at the Third National Executive Retreat in Kajiado, President Ruto described foreign language proficiency as "our next horizon," highlighting its role in realising Kenya's international labour aspirations. 

"We are working on making sure that more Kenyans can speak more than one language: German, Chinese, French, and Spanish," he states.

The government is partnering with institutions such as the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), which has already begun incorporating foreign languages into its curriculum, to advance this goal. While the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs does not directly offer language training, it plays a crucial role in policy alignment and diplomatic facilitation with overseas labour markets. President Ruto's remarks also reflect a shift towards long-term development planning. 

"I am not focused on the next general election. I am focused on transforming our country. Failure is not an option," Ruto declared. 

The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which aims to reposition Kenya's youth as not only national assets but also global contributors, is central to this transformation. The surge in global demand for multilingual professionals is already benefiting enterprising Kenyans, with the expanding language services sector opening new economic frontiers.