Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roselyne Njogu has cautioned Kenyans against being lured into foreign wars under false promises of employment, stressing that the government does not recruit citizens to fight for armies of other countries.
Speaking at Meru University during the launch of a German language programme, Njogu said her office continues to receive reports of Kenyans duped into travelling abroad for jobs, only to end up on war fronts in Russia and Ukraine.
“We have issued warning after warning to Kenyans not to be recruited to fight in these wars. If you hear someone say they are going to Russia to join war efforts, tell them to stop that nonsense,” said Ms Njogu.
The PS emphasised that the government is committed to creating safe and legal employment opportunities abroad, noting that over 530,000 Kenyans have secured jobs overseas in the last two and a half years.
She urged job seekers to use licensed and regulated recruitment agents listed on the National Employment Authority website to avoid exploitation and human trafficking.
She said the German language programme is part of efforts to enhance labour mobility under the Kenya-German labour agreement signed in September 2024, adding that language proficiency remains a key barrier for Kenyans seeking opportunities in Germany; hence, the initiative would help bridge that gap.
Meru University Vice-Chancellor Professor Romanus Odhiambo announced that the six-month intensive course would cover proficiency levels A1, A2 and B1.
“The university will also serve as a regional assessment centre, allowing trainees from Northeastern and Upper Eastern counties, including Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Isiolo, Laikipia, Embu, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa and Kirinyaga counties, to be evaluated locally.
He added that the programme would equip young people with internationally marketable skills, open up safe overseas employment opportunities, and shield them from illegal recruitment networks.
“Meru University is the second institution to roll out the German language programme after Tom Mboya University, which launched its centre under the patronage of Interior PS Raymond Omollo. We are ensuring that apart from the normal courses, we are also training learners on language skills as add-ons to enhance labour mobility,” said Prof. Romano.
By Dickson Mwiti
