• Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has announced that the program will kick off in Machakos County this Wednesday, with plans to expand to at least 20 counties by year-end. In line with the government's larger vision to secure overseas, there have been efforts to seek employment for one million Kenyans annually, bolstering foreign exchange earnings and reducing unemployment rates. This effort is part of the government's

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has unveiled a transformative recruitment initiative designed to link Kenyan professionals, both skilled and semi-skilled, to employment opportunities abroad.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has announced that the program will kick off in Machakos County this Wednesday, November 20, 2024 with plans to expand to at least 20 counties by year-end. In line with the government's larger vision to secure overseas, there have been efforts to seek employment for one million Kenyans annually, bolstering foreign exchange earnings and reducing unemployment rates.

In its first phase, the program aims to place 21,000 Kenyan workers in various roles across countries such as Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Germany. The job categories include positions like housekeepers, car wash attendants, cleaners, drivers, and other semi-skilled professions.

"We are ensuring equitable representation from all counties, allocating slots based on the specific skills available in each region," Dr Mutua explained.

Salaries for these positions range from Ksh.40,000 to as much as Ksh.1 million, depending on the nature of the job and the host country. To ensure fairness and accessibility, interviews are free of charge. However, some candidates may need to cover processing fees.

Acknowledging the logistical challenges, the government is collaborating with financial institutions to provide credit facilities for travel and related expenses. "Some jobs require workers to report in person, often involving international travel. We are addressing these needs by working with banks to offer affordable credit solutions," Dr. Mutua stated.

When questioned about worker safety, Dr Mutua assured that mechanisms are in place to safeguard Kenyans abroad. "With over 3 million Kenyans currently working overseas, incidents affecting our citizens are minimal, less than 0.1%. While challenges exist, they are not a reason to hold back such opportunities," he noted.

The government remains steadfast in its commitment to tackle the unemployment crisis through global partnerships. Those interested and qualified persons are urged to take advantage of this opportunity.