
Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale
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Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has highlighted the critical issue of unemployment among university graduates in Kenya, acknowledging the government’s challenges in providing adequate job opportunities.
In response to this growing concern, the administration has initiated several labour migration agreements with countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar. Duale clarifies that these agreements are intended to create job opportunities for Kenyans abroad, rather than indicating an exodus of citizens fleeing the country. Duale emphasises the proactive steps taken by President William Ruto’s administration to enhance labour migration and further emphasize the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyans working overseas.
“How many governments have we signed labour migration with? And please don’t say Kenyans are fleeing. When people flee they become refugees. Labour migration is not fleeing,” he said.
He also points to a shift among many Kenyans towards innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the private sector, as they adapt to changing job market dynamics. Addressing the education sector, Duale underscores the need for reform to better align with market demands. He notes a growing trend among Form Four leavers with grades C and below opting for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, as the job market increasingly favours practical skills in areas such as plumbing and engineering.
“This is because what is available in the market is more of practical jobs – plumbers, engineers and such,” he said.
Compounding this issue, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua revealed in November 2024 that over five million youths in Kenya are currently unemployed. The government is actively exploring diverse strategies to address this challenge, including fostering employment in sectors like nursing, gardening, plant operation, cooking, security, and domestic work.
However, the focus on labour migration has sparked criticism.
Detractors argue that the administration’s strategy prioritizes menial jobs in foreign countries, potentially at the expense of creating a more favourable business environment domestically. Concerns have also been raised regarding the ongoing promotion of employment opportunities in the Middle East, given the troubling reports of exploitation, abuse, and even fatalities among Kenyan workers in that region.