The Kenyan government has announced plans for a nationwide recruitment drive to place qualified Kenyans in overseas jobs. Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua made the announcement during a press briefing in Kisumu on Friday, calling on the youth to prepare their documents for the opportunity.
The recruitment, targeting jobs in countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Germany, the UAE, Austria, and the Czech Republic, will begin in Machakos County on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, and conclude in Mombasa County by February 2025.
Mutua emphasized the importance of readiness for those seeking to participate.
“Make sure you are well prepared,” he urged. “Have your ID and all your relevant documents with you so that someone can verify your qualifications. If you are a nurse, for example, bring the documents that prove it. Don’t just say you are a banker without the necessary papers.”
He advised applicants to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct via the E-citizen platform at a cost of Sh1,050 and ensure their passports and other official documents are in order to streamline the process.
Recruitment will take place in Technical and Vocational Training Centres within county headquarters. Information on the number of slots per county, job requirements, and specific venues will be shared through the ministry’s website and Mutua’s social media platforms by next Monday.
The move to decentralize the recruitment process follows complaints during the recent Qatar jobs drive, where applicants traveled from across the country to Nairobi, incurring significant expenses and inconveniences.
“It is unfair to have people traveling long distances, spending money, and even sleeping on the roads just to seek an opportunity,” Mutua stated. “Instead of them coming to Nairobi, we are taking the jobs to all 47 counties.”
Mutua also revealed his ambitious goal to facilitate the migration of one million Kenyans to overseas jobs annually, a move he believes will alleviate the country’s unemployment crisis.
The exercise represents a significant opportunity for Kenyans to secure employment abroad and improve their livelihoods.
