Why GoK Should Invest Locally Instead of Sending Kenyans Abroad

Empowering Kenya\’s Youth

Lately, we have observed that members of the executive of our Kenyan government are too preoccupied with airlifting young people to work in foreign countries. It is like a mother who gives birth to a baby and chooses to leave it willingly at the hospital in the fear of the burden to nurture it.

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This situation arises during a period when unemployment rates are soaring and economic conditions are challenging, despite politicians making promises about generating job opportunities for the youth. Adding to the challenge, we\’ve witnessed certain individuals in authority telling university graduates that jobs are only going to be found in the government housing project. This greatly diminishes hope for many recent graduates.

Furthermore, overseas is not a desirable location without proper education and proper frameworks. We are well aware of the hardships Kenyans have faced while residing abroad. This includes instances of many deaths in the Middle East and the widespread issue of homelessness in Canada.

Also read: Kenyan Labor Migration: Challenges and Policy Solutions

In light of this, rather than the government focusing on sending young individuals abroad, it should:

Encourage Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with the private sector to create internship, apprenticeship, and job placement programs that bridge the gap between education and employment.

Support Entrepreneurship: Provide funding, mentorship, and incubation support for young entrepreneurs to start and grow their own businesses. This can include access to capital, business development training, and resources to help them succeed.

Promote Talents & the Digital Economy: Develop initiatives to train young people how to navigate E-Commerce, advancing talents and monetizing content.

Support Agriculture & Agribusiness: Provide incentives for youth to engage in agricultural activities by offering access to land, training, and financial support.

End corruption: It is imperative to foster a culture that values rewarding competence and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. Today, both the public and private sectors have been deeply infiltrated by biases like tribalism, nepotism, and bribery. This has led even highly qualified individuals to doubt the existence of a level playing field unless they receive a favor. This state of affairs should not persist.

Also read: Africa’s True Liberation

As Prof. PLO Lumumba often highlights, nations like America and other perceived developed countries were not built by angels but through their collective efforts, equitable opportunities, and a sincere drive to build their societies. If we continue sending our youth abroad, who will be left to construct the foundations of Africa?

-By Boniface Muema Harrison