So far, 5,931 Kenyans have secured job opportunities abroad since the launch of the government’s national recruitment exercise just 10 days ago.
Labour Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua on Wednesday, November 27, announced the temporary suspension of the nationwide recruitment for overseas jobs until mid-December.
Speaking at Nyandarua National Polytechnic, CS Mutua revealed that the move to suspend the drive was informed by preparations for the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Thursday, December 12. “As we continue with this journey, the recruitment drive will take a brief pause to accommodate preparations for the upcoming Jamhuuri Day celebrations,” Mutua said in a statement.
The CS while explaining the temporary pause revealed that the Jamhuri Day theme for 2024 dubbed, ‘Labour Migration, Entrepreneurship, and Entertainment’, aligned with the ministry’s mandate.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua during a job recruitment exercise in Nyandarua County on November 27, 2024. /ALFRED MUTUA
He further announced that so far, 5,931 Kenyans have secured job opportunities abroad since the launch of the government’s national recruitment exercise just 10 days ago.
During the break, the government would take the opportunity to process the offers by facilitating the issuance of passports and certificates of good conduct.
Mutua added that the break will allow the government to take stock of the exercise, realign dates, and incorporate venue suggestions from local leaders to improve the program’s efficiency.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to linking skilled Kenyans with overseas employment opportunities as we address the pressing issue of unemployment in our country,” he added.
“While addressing attendees at the Nyandarua National Polytechnic, I shared the success of this program, revealing the number of recruits from six counties so far: Machakos (752), Makueni (410), Kitui (901), Nakuru (2,516), Baringo (640), and Nyandarua (925).”
Mutua went on to note that the overwhelming response and success of this exercise demonstrate the seriousness of the government in empowering Kenyans through labour migration.
He added that the job offers will not only transform individual lives but also contribute significantly to boosting remittances to the country’s economy. Mutua urged the youth to embrace technical training in the many institutions across the country, as employers globally are seeking individuals with technical expertise.
The CS, in a bid to allay fears of uncertainty regarding the recruitment drive, assured all successful applicants that they would be contacted by Wednesday next week, and a new schedule for the exercise would be announced after Jamhuri Day.
“This initiative is just the beginning. We are optimistic about expanding the program to cover all 47 counties, ensuring that more Kenyans benefit from these opportunities.
“With clear goals and steady progress, this effort is a significant step toward addressing unemployment while strengthening Kenya’s ties with the global labour market. Together, we are building a brighter future for our people,” he added.
A few weeks ago in Nairobi, 3,247 applicants in Nairobi’s recruitment were successful in the job recruitment that is seeking to secure jobs for 20,000 Kenyans in Qatar, Europe, Canada and Australia. However, it has not been without controversies as several applicants have reported claims of being extorted by recruitment agents at different centres.
The CS would however dismiss the claims stating, “The agencies here are now working under my watch. Nobody will extort any Kenyan citizen for jobs when I am the Labour CS.”
