On 23 and 24 September 2025, the ILO, through its Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) programme, held a public lecture at the University of Nairobi and Mount Kenya University (MKU) to raise awareness among young people about safe and informed labour migration.

During this lecture, titled “Labour Migration Trends in the East and Horn of Africa,” speakers highlighted the importance of equipping students and graduates with knowledge to navigate migration opportunities responsibly, illustrating their points with the ILO’s efforts under the BRMM programme to strengthen labour migration governance and promote fair recruitment practices across the region.

The event brought together key experts in government and academia. Mr. Shadrack Mwadime, Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, emphasized the Kenyan government’s commitment to creating safe pathways for labour mobility while protecting the rights of migrant workers. He also noted that efforts are underway to better align education and training with international labour market demands and to strengthen partnerships that create new opportunities for Kenyan youth abroad.

Ms. Aida Awel, Chief Technical Advisor of the ILO BRMM programme, delivered the keynote address, outlining the programme’s regional impact and the need for continued collaboration among governments, educational institutions, and international partners. She highlighted that informed decision-making and fair recruitment are essential to ensuring migration benefits both workers and their home countries.

By engaging directly with students, the ILO and the Government of Kenya continue to empower young people to make informed decisions about labour migration and to contribute to safer, fairer mobility across the region.