NAIROBI, Kenya—The government’s efforts to create job opportunities for Kenyans have received a boost after more than 243,000 Kenyans secured foreign jobs.
President William Ruto, speaking during this year’s Jamhuri Day national celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, disclosed that over 243,000 Kenyans have secured international job opportunities since September 2022.
The head of state said these job opportunities are in the healthcare, agriculture, and construction sectors, among others.
“And in the last two months alone, 12,000 have secured jobs abroad,” added the president.
How the Kenyan government is addressing the issue of unemployment
To address the urgent need to create opportunities for the hundreds of thousands of young men and women entering the labour market annually, President Ruto said his administration has expanded the employment opportunity spectrum and implemented strategies to secure jobs abroad to facilitate the mobility and placement of suitably qualified Kenyans.
“So far, we have completed bilateral labour frameworks with seven countries, while agreements with two more countries are awaiting signature. Additionally, agreements with 13 other countries are at various stages of negotiations, and we project to connect up to 2 million Kenyans with jobs abroad once completed,” explained President Ruto.
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua bid farewell to the first Kenyan workers travelling to Qatar to begin their new jobs.
“As they depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), they represent the aspirations of countless Kenyans seeking opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” said CS Mutua in a statement on his official X account.
What is the impact of Kenyan workers based in foreign countries
CS Mutua said these workers will support their families and, upon their return, gain valuable skills, international exposure, and experience that will contribute to Kenya’s national development.
CS Mutua said 300 workers will have left for Qatar by the end of this week, with 30 departing on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, and the rest scheduled to travel by the weekend.
“This milestone underscores the success of our government’s efforts to create safe, meaningful, and transformative labour opportunities abroad. It also paves the way for future initiatives, including 7,000 upcoming job opportunities in Dubai for skilled workers such as electricians and plumbers, etc.,” said CS Mutua.
