Kiambu Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika told a crowd at the Cascade Institute of Hospitality’s 10th‑anniversary celebration that young Kenyans should look beyond traditional employment and consider opportunities overseas.

She highlighted that more than 103,800 Kenyans secured jobs abroad in the 2024/2025 financial year, underscoring a growing demand for skilled Kenyan workers in global labour markets.

Kirika urged graduates to acquire practical, technical skills and to embrace innovation, noting that such competencies are essential for competing both locally and internationally.

She also called for greater investment in technical and vocational education, arguing that stronger training pathways will better prepare youth for the increasingly competitive job market.

A senior government official warned that fraudulent recruitment agencies are using TikTok to lure jobseekers, urging caution and verification of agencies before engaging in overseas job searches.

Irene Karari, director of Skills and Expertise at the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, echoed the warning, describing unregistered recruiters as a risk for financial exploitation and human trafficking, and advised youths to seek guidance from the department before pursuing overseas employment.

Kirika’s remarks came as diaspora remittances reached a record KSh666.7 billion in 2024, supporting millions of households through education, health, housing and business investments.

Students attending the ceremony said vocational training had transformed their outlook, equipping them with practical competencies for employment and entrepreneurship.

Industry voices, including Cascade Institute founder Sylvester Njuguna and Kouzon Corporation director Zoran Kocoski, stressed that technical training must meet global standards to ensure Kenyan graduates are competitive abroad.