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KENYA SIGNS GROUNDBREAKING MOU WITH UK-BASED HOPS LABOUR SOLUTIONS TO EXPAND STUDENT EMPLOYMENT IN AGRICULTURE

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Thursday, May 22, 2025(LONDON, UK)__In a major step toward increasing global opportunities for Kenyan youth, the Government of Kenya, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HOPS Labour Solutions Limited, a UK-based labor recruitment agency.

This strategic partnership will enable Kenyan students and recent graduates in agriculture and horticulture sectors to access short-term employment opportunities under the United Kingdom’s Seasonal Workers Scheme (SWS).

The initiative aims to enhance practical skills, improve career prospects, and provide international exposure to Kenyan youth, while simultaneously addressing labor shortages in the UK’s agricultural sector.

During the signing ceremony in London, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline K. Njogu, CBS, described the agreement as a “historic milestone” and a “timely intervention” to create meaningful and ethical employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.

“This MoU reaffirms our commitment to equipping young Kenyans with the skills and experience needed to compete in the global market. It also strengthens our agricultural sector by enabling students to return with valuable international expertise,” PS Njogu stated.

The agreement guarantees that Kenyan participants will not incur recruitment or placement fees, protecting them from exploitation and reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance stance on unethical labor practices. It also highlights a broader commitment to ethical recruitment and the welfare of all participants.

PS Njogu praised HOPS Labour Solutions, licensed by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), as a trusted and ethical partner in this venture.

“We are confident in HOPS’ ability to maintain high ethical standards and comply with both UK and Kenyan labor laws,” she added.

Beyond employment, the collaboration is expected to foster cultural and professional exchange, broadening participants’ perspectives and building networks between Kenya and the UK.

“This partnership lays the foundation for expanded labor mobility and future cooperation across other sectors, marking the start of a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship,” the PS concluded.

Officials from both Kenya and the UK expressed optimism about the MoU’s potential to empower youth, advance agricultural development, and strengthen bilateral relations.

This marks the second significant MoU in recent days aimed at securing valuable job opportunities and international experience for Kenyan youth in the global labor market.