In a significant step towards fulfilling the Kenya Kwanza Government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities abroad, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has announced the commencement of the second phase of the Qatar job recruitment program. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua disclosed that the process will officially begin on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, and run until late February 2025.
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, November 15, Dr. Mutua emphasized that this recruitment drive will provide thousands of Kenyans with opportunities to work abroad, focusing on inclusivity by covering all 47 counties. The initiative builds on the success of the first phase, where 3,247 Kenyans were selected from 8,000 available positions. Of these, nearly 1,500 have already received their offer letters and are finalizing travel arrangements.
“We expect all successful candidates to depart in the coming weeks to begin their careers,” Mutua said. He added that the second phase would offer 5,000 job slots, further enhancing access to international employment for Kenyan youth.
To streamline the process, the Ministry of Labour is collaborating with the National Employment Authority (NEA), the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and licensed recruitment agencies. Recruitment activities will be conducted at county headquarters and TVET institutions. Additionally, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will facilitate fingerprinting for certificates of good conduct, while immigration officials will assist with preliminary passport applications.
“I encourage all job seekers to prepare by bringing their ID cards and relevant qualification documents. Apply for certificates of good conduct on the eCitizen platform and ensure your passport application requirements are completed in advance,” Mutua advised.
The program underscores the government’s commitment, under the leadership of President William Ruto, to enhancing labor mobility and creating meaningful employment opportunities. “This initiative will not only change lives but also position Kenyans as competitive professionals in the global job market,” Mutua noted.
Dr. Mutua assured Kenyans of their safety abroad, citing bilateral protection agreements signed with recruiting countries to prevent discrimination and exploitation. He also highlighted the importance of returning to invest in the country after earning higher salaries abroad.
The recruitment drive will begin in Machakos County on November 20 and conclude in Mombasa County by late February 2025. Information on job requirements, specific venues, and the number of slots per county will be made available on the Ministry’s website and Dr. Mutua’s social media platforms by Monday.
This announcement follows a cabinet briefing revealing that 105,367 Kenyans have secured jobs abroad since July 2023, with 16,943 additional individuals cleared for opportunities since January 2024. These achievements stem from Kenya’s bilateral labor agreements with countries such as Germany, Austria, Qatar, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, among others.
“These opportunities span a wide range of roles, including professional, skilled, and unskilled jobs, such as nurses, aged-care workers, and teachers,” a State House dispatch detailed.
With this program, the government hopes to empower young Kenyans, boost their livelihoods, and drive investments that will contribute to national development.
