How government is dealing with unemployment crisis- PS Kaituko

Labour and Skills Development PS Geoffrey Kaituko. [Elvis Ogina, Stanard]

The Government is signing several labor agreements with over nineteen (19) countries that will see thousands of Kenyans acquire job offers abroad.

Speaking on Spice FM on Friday, September 29, Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Geoffrey Kaituko said that by sending more of its citizens abroad, Kenya may just be able to reduce the unemployment rate.

"We want qualified Kenyans who are unemployed to get employment in other parts of the country and if they come back after a period of time, they are absorbed in such a way that they can share skills acquired through training and mentorship," said Kaituko.

Among the countries that Kenya intends to enter into labour negotiations with include the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.

Those who do not wish to go overseas will be required to go through a skill development program that prepares them for the job they desire and offers them the necessary skills not just those acquired in schools.

This will be done through internship and apprenticeship programs that the government is planning to expand its time and capacity so as to accommodate more Kenyan youths, Kaituko explained.

Further, the Labour PS said that the government is reviewing existing labour frameworks with countries such as Saudi Arabia so that Kenyans abroad are assured of support and protection from both governments.

One of the reforms made is the tracking of Kenyans abroad who go missing.

Currently, if one is reported missing, the government of the country they were in together with Kenya will cooperate in tracing them and ensuring they come back home safely if alive.

"If one is found dead, the two governments with then partner to ensure that the body gets home and the culprit (s) if any is held accountable," said Kaituko.

Additionally, the agents that recruit workers must appear before the Labour Committee for vetting.

This, Kaituko says eliminates fraudsters who are used to taking advantage of unsuspecting Kenyans in need of a job.

The government is also making several amendments that aim at reducing the level of unemployment in the country.

Currently, unemployment is at 12.2 per cent, the highest it has ever been.