At least 700 youths across the country are set to take the German B1 language certification examination this week through a government-backed initiative, aimed at opening up overseas job opportunities.
The students are part of a German language training programme facilitated through a collaboration between the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and community-based organizations like the Widows’ Empowerment Programme.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said the exams, which are set to run from September 27 to 30, mark a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to combat unemployment by preparing Kenyans for the global labor market.
“This is the first cohort and we expect many more in the future. We are unable to meet the growing demand from the German labor market as it is,” said Dr. Omollo.
The PS who spoke to the media after addressing the students at Tom Mboya University, now an accredited German examination center, said the programme is part of President Dr. William Ruto’s administration’s broader labour mobility agenda, following the signing of a bilateral agreement between Kenya and Germany last year.
Under this agreement, thousands of Kenyans are expected to take up skilled jobs in Germany, with the country requiring language proficiency and cultural familiarity for those seeking employment there, which makes B1 certification a critical component.
The Widows’ Empowerment Programme, a key partner in the initiative, has supported the enrolment of students from vulnerable communities across the country, particularly children of widows, enabling them to gain access to the training opportunity for the high-demand job opportunities abroad.
The PS praised Tom Mboya University for its role in facilitating the training, pointing out that the initiative highlights the power of collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, and community-based organizations.
“We are here to witness what strong partnerships can achieve. This is the first cohort of trainees, and we anticipate many more in future to meet the growing demand in the German labor market,” said Dr. Omollo.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu who was also present lauded the initiative, noting that labour mobility or “Kazi Majuu” is a crucial pillar in the government’s three-part employment strategy, which also includes Kazi Kwa Ground and Kazi Kwa Mtandao.
Kazi Majuu focuses on creating structured pathways for Kenyans to access overseas employment. “The German labour market, along with Austria and Switzerland, presents a major opportunity for Kenyans. But one of the main barriers has been language proficiency and what is being done here at Tom Mboya University directly addressing that challenge,” Njogu said.
The PS added that the uptake of visas for Kenyans seeking employment abroad have doubled, since the bilateral agreements were signed, thanks to the efforts of the Joint Implementation Committee formed between the Kenyan and German governments.
The PS emphasized the importance of structured and legal pathways to foreign employment and urged Kenyans to pursue international job opportunities through licensed recruitment agencies and formal government channels to avoid exploitation or falling victim to human trafficking.
“There are great opportunities abroad in healthcare, ICT, logistics, hospitality, and energy, but Kenyans must follow the right pathways.
It is critical for Kenyans to use licensed recruitment agencies to avoid falling victim to human trafficking. Fraudulent documents and shortcuts are not only illegal but dangerous,” she noted, warning against the use of unregulated channels when seeking jobs abroad.
The successful candidates from this first cohort are expected to begin the process of securing employment abroad as soon as they obtain their B1 language certification.
The PS was optimistic that more young Kenyans will be able to take advantage of structured pathways into the international job market in the near future.
by Sitna Omar
