In a significant move to enhance employment opportunities, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has unveiled a nationwide job recruitment initiative aimed at linking skilled and semi-skilled Kenyans with job prospects across the globe.
This ambitious program promises to broaden horizons for countless individuals seeking work abroad.Dr. Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, announced that the initiative is set to kick off this Wednesday in Machakos County, with plans in place to extend it to at least 20 additional counties before the year concludes. This rollout is part of a larger government strategy seeking to place a minimum of one million Kenyans in international jobs annually, ultimately aiming to increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The first phase of this innovative program is expected to secure employment for approximately 21,000 Kenyans, sourced from diverse regions throughout the country. Dr. Mutua explained,
“Our strategy involves ensuring that each county receives a balanced number of job opportunities based on the skills available locally.”
The global job openings encompass positions in countries such as Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Germany. Roles available range from housekeepers and car wash attendants to cleaners and drivers, catering to those in various semi-skilled professions.
Compensation will vary significantly, with salaries ranging from Ksh. 40,000 up to Ksh. 1 million, dependent on the nature of the job and its location. While the interviews for these positions come at no cost, candidates may need to cover certain processing fees.To further support potential candidates, CS Mutua revealed that the government is collaborating with several financial institutions to offer credit options tailored to these workers. He elaborated,
“For example, some countries require us to send specific candidates directly to them, which necessitates organizing their travel arrangements. They cannot simply take a motorcycle; air travel is essential.”
Addressing concerns regarding the safety of Kenyans working abroad, Mutua reassured,
“We currently have over 3 million Kenyans living overseas. The challenges some face are experienced by less than 0.1 percent of them. We cannot discourage Kenyans from seeking opportunities abroad because of isolated incidents. It’s vital to understand that challenges exist in every environment.”
The government encourages qualified citizens to participate in the upcoming interviews, reinforcing its commitment to addressing unemployment and expanding opportunities for all Kenyans.
This new initiative not only signifies a proactive approach to job creation but also represents a remarkable opportunity for Kenyans to explore diverse careers and improve their economic standing through international employment.
