Learning institutions across the country have been challenged to align their programmes with global labour market demands by introducing courses and skills that can prepare learners for employment opportunities abroad.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said schools and colleges should embrace globally competitive programmes, including the teaching of foreign languages, to equip learners with skills required in international job markets.
Speaking during the thanksgiving ceremony for Kabarnet Boys Senior School in Baringo County, Chirchir noted that increasing globalization and labour mobility have created vast employment opportunities for qualified professionals in foreign countries.
He said educational institutions should begin preparing learners from an early stage by introducing international languages and specialized programmes that can enhance their competitiveness in overseas job markets.
“There are so many job opportunities in overseas countries like Dubai, Singapore, America, China and France. Learning institutions just need to ensure that they produce professionals who are well versed with at least one foreign language,” said Chirchir.
The Cabinet Secretary observed that diaspora employment opportunities continue to play a significant role in supporting Kenya’s economy through remittances sent home by Kenyans working abroad.
According to Chirchir, labour export has emerged as one of the country’s leading sources of foreign exchange earnings, with thousands of Kenyans securing jobs in different parts of the world and supporting their families through regular remittances.
“Kenyans who work in various overseas countries always send the proceeds they get to their families in different parts of this country. In this way they are helping to grow our economy,” he said.
He noted that diaspora remittances have grown steadily in recent years, increasing from more than Sh400 billion in 2022 to over Sh600 billion in 2025, demonstrating the growing contribution of Kenyans living and working abroad to the national economy.
Chirchir attributed the growth to government efforts aimed at expanding access to overseas employment opportunities and connecting Kenyan professionals to global labour markets.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration, under President William Ruto, had demonstrated its commitment to labour mobility through the establishment of a fully-fledged State Department for Diaspora Affairs within the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The department, he said, is tasked with coordinating diaspora opportunities and facilitating job placements for Kenyan professionals seeking employment abroad.
“This is good news for you students because you are assured that the future is bright and it is very important for you to ensure that you are well prepared to take up both national and global opportunities in the near future,” he told learners.
The Cabinet Secretary, who was accompanied by Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie, commended Kabarnet Boys Senior School for introducing programmes that prepare learners for emerging opportunities in both local and international job markets.
He cited aviation studies, drawing and design, as well as the teaching of French and German languages as examples of programmes that can enhance students’ competitiveness and increase their chances of securing opportunities abroad.
“I am impressed by the remarkable achievement of this school over the last eight years. This is well aligned with the government’s agenda of connecting Kenyan professionals to global job markets through opportunities and skills enhancement,” said Chirchir.
He described Kabarnet Boys Senior School as one of the country’s important centres for human capital development, urging the institution’s management to maintain high academic standards and continue investing in innovative programmes that prepare learners for future opportunities.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the school’s rich history and contribution to national leadership, noting that Kenya’s second President, the late Daniel arap Moi, once taught at the institution and later served as chairman of its Board of Management for four decades between 1965 and 2005.
Other distinguished alumni of the school include former Education Permanent Secretary Benjamin Kipkulei, former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani, Kenya’s Ambassador to the United States and Costa Rica David Kiplagat, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and former Director of the Kenya School of Government Isaac Chebon.
Also speaking during the event, the French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet commended the school for incorporating French language studies into its curriculum.
The ambassador donated French language books to support learning and pledged continued collaboration with the institution, including the possibility of establishing exchange programmes that would benefit students pursuing French studies.
By Dennis Lesoite and Vincent Miningwo
