The Kenyan government has launched another recruitment drive to secure overseas employment opportunities for its citizens, with over 10,000 construction jobs available in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The initiative, which begins on Wednesday, December 18, is part of ongoing efforts to address unemployment and provide skilled and unskilled workers with access to lucrative opportunities abroad.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua made the announcement following the recent successful deployment of 300 Kenyan workers to Doha, Qatar, last weekend. The recruitment exercise will take place in Nairobi, Nyeri, and Mombasa counties, offering positions in the construction sector, which is experiencing a surge in demand for labor in Dubai.
Recruitment Schedule and Locations
The exercise kicks off at Kabete National Polytechnic in Nairobi on Wednesday and Thursday. It will then move to Nyeri National Polytechnic on Friday and Saturday before concluding at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic in Mombasa next Monday and Tuesday. The recruitment process will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all locations.
Available positions include Steel Fixers, Masons, Scaffolders, Carpenters, Waterproofing Technicians, and General Workers. These roles come with attractive benefits, including tax-free salaries ranging from Ksh 33,000 to Ksh 60,000. Successful candidates will also receive free accommodation, transportation, food, and medical care.
Affordable Travel Arrangements and Passport Assistance
To make the opportunity accessible to more Kenyans, the government has negotiated reduced costs for travel and processing fees. Candidates will be required to cover their airfare, medical tests, and minor processing expenses. However, Mutua emphasized that lack of a passport should not deter interested applicants.
“No passport? No problem! Expedited passport issuance will be facilitated for successful candidates,” the CS assured on his official X account (formerly Twitter).
Efficient Recruitment Process
Applicants are required to bring their academic and professional certificates along with any other relevant documentation. Practical assessments will be conducted at the recruitment venues, and candidates are advised to dress appropriately for these evaluations.
Successful candidates will receive on-the-spot offer letters during the recruitment exercise. The processing period, which includes medical checks, is expected to take three days, after which visas will be issued. Travel arrangements will be finalized shortly thereafter, ensuring a swift transition to employment in Dubai.
Economic Transformation and Job Creation
The recruitment drive aligns with President William Ruto’s commitment to job creation as a cornerstone of his administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Speaking during Kenya’s Jamhuri Day celebrations last week, the President reiterated his pledge to secure two million overseas jobs for Kenyans while addressing domestic economic challenges such as unemployment and high living costs.
“Our government is prioritizing job creation as a means of improving the economy and reducing the cost of living,” Ruto stated.
The Dubai recruitment initiative underscores this commitment, offering Kenyans an opportunity to improve their livelihoods through gainful employment abroad. By facilitating the process and reducing financial barriers, the government aims to maximize participation and ensure as many Kenyans as possible benefit from this program.
A Gateway to Opportunity
The construction sector in Dubai has long been a magnet for foreign workers due to its rapid growth and competitive compensation packages. This latest initiative by the Kenyan government provides an entry point for skilled and unskilled workers seeking to enhance their economic prospects.
With attractive benefits, minimal upfront costs, and government support, this recruitment drive represents a significant step toward addressing unemployment and supporting Kenyans in accessing international job markets.
