Friday, September 26, 2025(NAIROBI)– Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roseline K. Njogu, CBS, has called on Kenyan graduates to strategically prepare themselves to seize emerging opportunities in the global labour market.
Speaking as the guest speaker at the Riara University Career Fair, PS Njogu expressed her sincere gratitude to the institution for hosting the event themed “Thriving in a Multi-Skilled World.”
“I wish to first thank Riara University for hosting this timely and relevant Career Fair. The theme, ‘Thriving in a Multi-Skilled World,’ could not be more critical as we prepare our youth for the future of work,” PS Njogu stated.
She acknowledged that with over 800,000 graduates entering the job market annually from universities and TVETs, Kenya’s youth are the nation's greatest asset. However, she noted that the domestic economy alone cannot absorb this entire talent pool.
“In response, the government is pursuing a three-pronged approach: aggressively expanding local opportunities while simultaneously unlocking structured, dignified international pathways as well as laying infrastructure for online jobs,” the PS said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering young Kenyans to be competitive everywhere.
PS Njogu stressed that thriving today requires more than academic credentials. “It demands practical, transferable, and cross-cultural skills. This is where the ‘Kazi Majuu’ initiative provides vital pathways for our graduates to apply their diverse talents in sectors like healthcare, ICT, engineering, and hospitality across the globe.”
She highlighted that international exposure is a two-way benefit, enriching Kenyan youth with new competencies, networks, and experiences that ultimately contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic development upon their return.
Pointing to the government’s success, the PS cited expanding labour mobility partnerships with countries including Germany, Canada, Austria, the USA, and nations in the Middle East and Asia.
To prepare for these opportunities, PS Njogu encouraged students to invest in foreign languages like German, French, or Arabic, acquire digital and technical skills aligned with global demand and cultivate essential soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork.
She also highlighted the government’s pre-departure orientation programmes, which equip aspiring migrants with the necessary cultural awareness and settlement skills for a successful transition abroad.
In her closing remarks, the Principal Secretary urged students to view themselves as global citizens. “I encourage you to seize forums like this career fair and use digital platforms to explore pathways beyond our borders. Thriving in a multi-skilled world requires continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation. Be assured that your Government is dedicated to creating structured, safe, and empowering channels for you to succeed globally.”
Reaffirming the State Department for Diaspora Affairs' dedication to positioning Kenya as a hub of global talent, PS Njogu once again thanked Riara University, expressing confidence that robust partnerships between academic institutions, government, and industry will produce a generation of multi-skilled, globally competitive Kenyan graduates.