Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities for Kenyan youth and equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in foreign job markets. In a significant move, he unveiled a Model Saudi House at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in Mombasa, an initiative aimed at helping job recruits familiarize themselves with Arabian culture and home ambience before departing for work abroad.
The Model Saudi House, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Labour, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, is expected to enhance job seekers’ adaptability and preparedness. By providing a simulated environment that mirrors a typical Saudi home, recruits can gain first-hand experience of their prospective workplaces, making it easier to integrate into their new roles.
Speaking at the event, CS Mutua urged Kenyan youth to seize the opportunities presented by the ongoing job interviews and recruitment drives for foreign employment. He acknowledged the government’s proactive measures to shorten the training period and introduce financing options to facilitate travel, thereby making overseas job placements more accessible.
“We are committed to ensuring that our workforce is not only skilled but also well-prepared to work in different cultural settings. The Model Saudi House will provide job recruits with a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with Arabian culture and home ambience, ensuring they adapt more easily to their new work environments. This initiative enhances their preparedness and marketability, giving them a competitive edge in the international job market,” Mutua stated.
The CS also emphasized the importance of personal discipline and maintaining the right attitude, advising young job seekers to avoid drug abuse and other behaviors that might hinder their chances of securing employment abroad.
The unveiling of the Model Saudi House comes at a time when the government is aggressively pursuing partnerships to create employment opportunities for Kenyans overseas. With increasing global demand for skilled labor, this initiative is poised to improve the success rate of Kenyan workers abroad while ensuring they are well-equipped to meet employer expectations.
This effort aligns with the government’s broader vision to empower youth by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in international job markets, ultimately reducing unemployment rates and enhancing economic growth.
