Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has officially announced the launch of the National Job Recruitment Program in Nakuru City, aimed at providing Kenyans with job opportunities abroad. The event will take place on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Rift Valley National Polytechnic, Nakuru County, from 8 am to 5 pm. Mutua stressed that the recruitment will serve the first wave of applicants to arrive at the venue, offering them an exclusive opportunity to secure one of over 1,000 jobs in countries such as Australia, Qatar, Poland, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Germany.
The Nakuru recruitment drive follows successful job fairs held in Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties, which have already seen thousands of Kenyans benefit from similar initiatives. According to Mutua, the National Job Recruitment Program is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to create both local and international employment opportunities for citizens.
During a press briefing, Mutua emphasized the potential impact of the program on Nakuru residents. “We have secured over 1,000 job opportunities in diverse countries for residents of Nakuru County,” he said. He also urged applicants to come prepared with essential documents, including their National ID, academic certificates, an updated CV, and a passport (if available). For those without a passport, Mutua assured them that the government would provide assistance to expedite the process.
The National Job Recruitment Program offers an incredible chance for candidates to secure international employment quickly, with some positions allowing for departure as early as Christmas 2024. “For some positions, successful candidates could fly out before Christmas and start earning an income immediately,” Mutua noted, highlighting the program’s urgency and the fast-track opportunities for those selected.
The initiative is part of President William Ruto’s broader strategy to provide Kenyans with ample work opportunities at home and abroad. This recruitment drive follows a successful phase in Qatar, where 3,247 Kenyans were selected out of 8,000 positions made available by Qatari employers. Nearly 1,500 of those selected have already received offer letters and are preparing to travel. Mutua also revealed that the recruitment company behind the Qatari openings would be returning to Kenya to finalize hiring for the remaining 5,000 positions allocated to the country, ensuring that even more Kenyans would have access to these career opportunities.
To make the recruitment process as smooth as possible, the government is collaborating with several key stakeholders, including the National Employment Authority (NEA), the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and licensed recruitment agencies. These organizations will help streamline the process, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all interested candidates. The recruitment will take place not only at county headquarters but also at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, providing multiple points of access for potential applicants across the country.
Looking ahead, Mutua outlined the next recruitment locations, which include the Baringo National Polytechnic on Tuesday, followed by the Nyandarua National Polytechnic on Wednesday. The program, which began on November 20, 2024, is set to cover all 47 counties, ensuring that Kenyans from every region will have the opportunity to apply for these lucrative positions.
Mutua also made a call to action, urging Kenyans in Nakuru to arrive early and take full advantage of this opportunity. “See you tomorrow in Nakuru! Njoo mapema, mapema ndio best! Kazi ni nyingi na mbele iko sawa,” he said, encouraging applicants to come early to secure a place.
The National Job Recruitment Program is part of a larger effort by the Kenyan government to alleviate unemployment and provide more stable, long-term employment for its citizens, both locally and internationally. As the program moves forward, it remains an essential avenue for Kenyans to explore new career paths and opportunities abroad.
With the first phase of recruitment already making significant strides, Mutua and the government remain committed to ensuring that job seekers are supported every step of the way. For those in Nakuru, Monday marks a key opportunity to step into a new chapter of their professional lives.
