The Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom (FCDO) and implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) is working on improving employment services for labour market integration of potential and returned migrants, with a focus on developing MSMEs and social finance in Kenya. Accordingly, the BRMM programme is collaborating with the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions and Hospital Workers (KUDHEIHA workers) to provide entrepreneurship training using the ILO Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programs. SIYB is one of the largest global business management training programmes, which helps small-scale entrepreneurs to start and grow their business. The project aims to reinforce the entrepreneurial and business management skills of 660 vulnerable returned migrants in Nairobi and Mombasa cities.
Training sessions held in Nairobi and Mombasa, focused on the provision of the Generate Your Business (GYB) & Start Your Business (SYB) components of the SIYB. The training addressed the specific needs of the returned migrant workers and empowered them with the knowledge and skills required to generate business ideas, start ventures, and sustain their businesses.
Further to the training, each beneficiaries received social assistance through cash transfers amounting to USD150. This scheme, which will be complemented by a more comprehensive socio-economic support and prospects for financial inclusion, will palliate some of the losses encountered due to their unexpected return and help them settle down and look for livelihood opportunities.
Key achievements included the successful completion of training for two cohorts in each location, participants' identification of business ideas, increased networking among participants, and enhanced self-esteem and self-realization. The Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions and Hospital Workers (KUDHEIHA workers) also expanded its WhatsApp group network for returnee migrant workers to facilitate better organization and advocacy. Furthermore, the entrepreneurship training provided beneficiaries with independence, decision-making skills, and the ability to positively impact their lives and restore their dignity.
The collaborative efforts involving the UK government, ILO, and KUDHEIHA are acknowledged for their support in empowering returned migrant workers. The participants also expressed gratitude for the effective learning methods employed during the training. The training, which is integrated into the BRMM Programme, signifies a holistic approach to addressing the intricate challenges faced by returned migrant workers in their pursuit of self-sustainability and entrepreneurship.
