Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Dr. Alfred Mutua has urged skilled unemployed individuals to pursue job opportunities abroad. Speaking at Wote Technical Training Institute (TTI) in Makueni County, Dr. Mutua emphasized that numerous international job openings remain unfilled, and Kenyan youth have the potential to fill this gap, uplifting their livelihoods in the process.
Dr. Mutua assured attendees that the government is committed to facilitating the necessary processes for those recruited, including expedited passport issuance. “There are jobs in Germany, Qatar, and Poland. There is no point in having young people here doing nothing when there are jobs abroad,” he stated to a large crowd of hopeful recruits.
The recruitment exercise in Makueni County targeted various professions, including teaching, nursing, gardening, plant operations, housekeeping, security services, and culinary arts. According to Dr. Mutua, there is also a significant demand for female and male drivers, presenting an opportunity for individuals to leverage their skills to secure well-paying jobs overseas.
Streamlining Passport Issuance
Acknowledging that obtaining travel documents can be a barrier, Dr. Mutua reassured participants that the government will expedite the issuance of passports for recruits. He noted that the government would ensure applicants receive their passports within one or two days. However, he reminded them of their responsibility to apply for the document through the E-Citizen platform, enabling the government to process their requests swiftly.
This assurance was met with applause from the recruits, who expressed gratitude for the government’s proactive measures to eliminate hurdles that could delay their employment abroad.
Boosting Employment Opportunities
Kenya, like many developing nations, faces a high rate of youth unemployment. Dr. Mutua’s initiative reflects a broader strategy to bridge this gap by connecting local talent with international job markets. He emphasized that addressing unemployment is a critical step in combating poverty, which continues to afflict many households across the country.
“We cannot allow young people to remain idle while there are opportunities available globally. This initiative is not just about employment; it’s about giving our youth a chance to improve their living standards and contribute to their families and the nation,” Dr. Mutua remarked.
The recruits, beaming with hope and optimism, thanked the government for the opportunity. They are expected to commence their overseas assignments as soon as their travel documents are finalized, with deployments anticipated to begin before the end of the year.
Collaborative Efforts
The event was attended by Makueni County Commissioner Duncan Darusi and senior officials from the Ministry of Labour, highlighting the government’s unified approach to tackling unemployment. The collaboration between county and national government authorities demonstrates a coordinated effort to ensure the success of such initiatives.
Dr. Mutua’s call for youth to seize these international opportunities resonates with the government’s broader vision of empowering citizens through innovative solutions. By connecting Kenyan talent to global markets, the government seeks to unlock new avenues for economic growth and poverty alleviation.
A Step Towards Economic Empowerment
The recruitment exercise at Wote TTI marks a pivotal moment for many young people in Makueni County. It signifies hope for a brighter future where skills and opportunities align, enabling individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty.
As these recruits prepare for life-changing journeys abroad, their success stories could inspire other young Kenyans to consider similar paths, creating a ripple effect that bolsters the nation’s socio-economic fabric. Through such initiatives, the government reiterates its commitment to creating a prosperous Kenya where every citizen has a chance to thrive.
