Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, presided over the send-off of a group of Kenyan workers headed for job opportunities in Qatar. The group, primarily composed of drivers, is part of a broader initiative that aims to provide job placements for skilled Kenyans abroad. This marks another milestone in the ongoing labor mobility program, with approximately 3,000 Kenyans having undergone interviews for various roles earlier in the year.
In his address during the send-off ceremony, Mutua expressed his pleasure in witnessing the steady flow of Kenyan workers traveling abroad to secure better livelihoods. “Every week, Kenyans travel to Qatar to embark on new adventures and build their livelihoods,” he noted, underscoring the importance of such opportunities in advancing Kenya’s economic growth and employment creation strategies.
Mutua also extended gratitude to Qatar for being a key partner in providing these employment opportunities. He acknowledged the robust diplomatic relationship between Kenya and Qatar, which has strengthened since the establishment of ties in 2003. “We are particularly grateful to the State of Qatar for being a partner in development and collaboration across many areas,” Mutua said. “Since the beginning of our partnership, nearly 70,000 Kenyans have contributed to Qatar’s workforce, benefiting both countries.”
The CS assured the Kenyan workers and their families that Qatar is a safe and welcoming country for expatriates. He dispelled earlier reports of refugees from Kenya in Qatar, stating that all Kenyans in the country are either employed or visiting. “I am pleased to assure Kenyans that Qatar is a very safe and hospitable nation for them,” he affirmed, offering reassurance to those about to embark on their journeys.
The increasing demand for skilled labor in Qatar has made it a prime destination for Kenyan workers seeking opportunities abroad. This is part of a broader initiative led by the Kenyan government to create more avenues for labor mobility, particularly to countries with growing economies and labor shortages.
As part of efforts to solidify the relationship between Kenya and Qatar, Mutua revealed that he would soon be signing a bilateral agreement with Qatar’s Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali Bin Samikh Al-Marri. This agreement will focus on enhancing the mobility of skilled labor between the two nations, potentially opening doors to more opportunities for Kenyan professionals in Qatar.
In conclusion, Mutua’s efforts to foster stronger international partnerships and create job opportunities for Kenyans abroad highlight the government’s commitment to improving economic prospects for its citizens. The growing presence of Kenyan workers in Qatar is a testament to the success of this initiative and the promise of more opportunities to come.
