Kenyan youth embark on UK farm work under seasonal workers program

162 young Kenyans from the Kenya School of Agriculture (KSA) were officially flagged off to the United Kingdom under the Kenya-UK Seasonal Workers Scheme (SWS).

Presiding over the ceremony, Ministry of Agriculture’s Secretary Administration Harun Khator lauded the initiative as a transformative opportunity for young Kenyans to gain global exposure and cutting-edge agricultural experience.

“This bilateral program is more than just seasonal employment — it’s a gateway to global opportunities,” said Khator. “You are pioneers of Kenya’s agri-tech future. Embrace this chance to gain world-class skills, uphold our national values, and return as ambassadors of innovation and progress.”

The six-month industrial attachment will see the youth working on farms across the UK, where they will receive hands-on training in modern farming techniques, earn competitive wages in sterling pounds, and benefit from a rich cultural exchange and professional development experience.

Launched in 2023, the Government of Kenya–United Kingdom Seasonal Workers Scheme has already facilitated the deployment of 392 skilled agricultural workers. The program is a strategic pillar of the government’s broader agenda focused on: Youth employment creation, technology and skills transfer, and sustainable agribusiness development.

This initiative not only addresses domestic youth unemployment but also builds a pool of experienced agricultural professionals poised to transform Kenya’s farming landscape upon their return.

BY KBC