Over 20,000 Kenyans to benefit from state’s overseas job scheme

SHARON ATIENO-KNA 

The Government has commenced the recruitment of over 20,000 skilled and unskilled Kenyans for the national overseas program. 

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, stated that the program, which was officially launched last week at the Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind, is expected to cover all counties, starting with Machakos, followed by Makueni, Kitui, Nakuru, Baringo, Nyandarua, Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia, Turkana, Marsabit, among others, by the end of the year. 

“The goal is to ensure every county receives an equal number of opportunities, depending on the types of skills available in over 10 different overseas countries, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Iraq, Poland, the United States, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Germany,” he said. 

Dr. Mutua mentioned that the first phase of the program will offer 20,000 jobs. 

The available positions include housekeepers, housemaids, car wash attendants, cleaners, drivers, registered nurses, security officers, teachers, construction workers, casual laborers, hospitality industry workers, and engineers, among others. 

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of proper documentation for applicants, urging those attending interviews to ensure they have applied for certificates of good conduct and passports via the e-Citizen platform. 

“Applicants must complete these requirements to facilitate the capturing of fingerprints by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Immigration Department,” the CS said. 

He noted that the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to place at least one million Kenyans in overseas jobs annually, a significant boost to Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings. 

“Financial institutions will give credit to agencies to ensure agents have money. The financial institutions can also give money to the jobseekers in order to complement the government and the employing company who will provide tickets,” he said. 

The CS disclosed that currently, over three million Kenyans work abroad, making labour migration a key contributor as an economic mover. On the other hand, while addressing concerns about mistreatment of Kenyans working abroad, Dr. Mutua reassured the public that such cases are addressed individually and should not undermine efforts to create employment opportunities. 

“All Kenyans working abroad are protected by international and local laws. Isolated incidents of mistreatment should not discourage eligible Kenyans from seizing these opportunities,” he said. 

The CS lamented that the actions of a few individuals engaging in illegal activities abroad have complicated efforts to secure jobs in some countries since such behavior tarnishes the reputation of the nation and jeopardizes opportunities for law-abiding Kenyans. 

Dr. Mutua urged eligible Kenyans to turn up for the exercise, expressing optimism about the program’s potential to transform lives.