In a bid to offer new employment opportunities for Kenyans, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua recently announced the availability of 600 motorcycle rider jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement, made via his social media platform X on Thursday, comes as part of a recruitment drive by a UAE-based company actively seeking to hire Kenyan riders.
The recruitment process, however, comes with both potential rewards and upfront costs. Successful candidates will earn an attractive monthly salary, but they will also need to cover various expenses before embarking on their journey to Dubai. Here’s what job seekers need to know.
Job Requirements and Eligibility
The job opening is a promising opportunity for many, particularly those with experience in bodaboda riding. However, experience is not mandatory. The UAE-based company is looking for applicants with a valid Kenyan passport or proof of an eCitizen application in progress. Applicants must also provide a current Certificate of Good Conduct or proof of an application for the certificate through eCitizen.
Additionally, the company requires applicants to possess a valid rider’s license. While prior experience in motorcycle riding is not a must, it is an added advantage, and those who have worked as bodaboda riders are highly encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will undergo a four-month training period in Dubai, where they will also have the opportunity to acquire a UAE riding license.
Salary and Benefits
The compensation for this job is substantial by Kenyan standards. Successful candidates will earn 7.5 dirhams (approximately Sh264) per delivery trip. With a minimum of 15 trips per day, this translates to a monthly income of around 2,925 dirhams (Sh104,000), tax-free. For those who are more ambitious and are able to deliver over 30 orders daily, there is significant potential to increase earnings.
In addition to the salary, the UAE-based company offers several attractive perks. These include free accommodation, company-provided and maintained motorcycles, comprehensive medical care, and a fully sponsored UAE work visa. These benefits aim to make the transition to working in the UAE as smooth as possible for the selected riders.
Pre-arrival Costs
While the benefits are enticing, it’s important to note that the company does not cover the pre-arrival costs, which must be borne by the applicants themselves. These costs total Sh167,900, broken down as follows: Sh81,400 for HR provider fees, Sh40,000 for airfare, Sh16,500 for medical expenses, and Sh30,000 for processing fees.
Mutua, however, emphasized that banks have been aligned to offer loans to help cover these costs. The repayment would begin once the employee starts working in Dubai, ensuring that applicants can manage their expenses without financial strain during the initial stages of their employment. The medical fee is required to be paid first, while the remaining fees can be settled after passing the medicals.
Interview Schedule
For those interested in applying for the jobs, interviews will be held in Nairobi and Malindi. The Nairobi interviews are scheduled for December 9, 10, and 11, 2024, at Kamukunji TVC, located next to Kamukunji Primary School, from 8 am to 5 pm. In Malindi, interviews will take place on December 13 and 14, 2024, at Kilifi North TVC, Watamu Town, next to Watamu Primary, during the same hours.
The Ministry of Labour has assured the public that the recruitment process will be carried out ethically, with government officials present during the interviews to oversee fair practices.
Conclusion
This job offer presents an exciting opportunity for Kenyans seeking to work in the UAE. The benefits, such as a tax-free salary, free accommodation, and medical care, make the positions attractive. However, potential applicants must be prepared to cover significant pre-arrival costs, which could pose a financial challenge for some. With ethical recruitment practices in place and the possibility of bank loans to ease the financial burden, this recruitment drive provides a promising, albeit costly, opportunity for skilled riders in Kenya.
