More than 900 skilled youths from Kericho County have successfully secured employment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following a government-backed recruitment drive aimed at exporting skilled labor. The two-day exercise, held at Kericho Township Technical and Vocational College (KERITTVC), is part of a broader initiative announced last year to facilitate overseas job opportunities for trained Kenyan youth.
The recruitment exercise was coordinated by the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which engaged four accredited agencies: Blue Wave International Services Limited, Raytoria, Al Suwedi International Recruitment Agency Limited, and Loivin Recruitment. These agencies, registered under the National Employment Authority (NEA), identified the skill sets in demand in the UAE’s building and construction sector, including carpentry, masonry, electrical engineering, plumbing, and steel fixing.
KERITTVC Principal Shadrack Tonui lauded the initiative, highlighting the overwhelming response from job seekers. “More than 1,200 youths registered for the recruitment, with 900 successfully qualifying. Among them, 20 were from this institution. This initiative underscores the importance of TVET training in equipping youth with employable skills,” he said.
Tonui further noted that the recruitment process involved both oral and practical assessments to evaluate the technical competence of candidates. “The employment agencies from Abu Dhabi were stringent in their practical evaluations, ensuring that only highly skilled individuals qualified. The selected recruits will now proceed with finalizing their travel documentation before heading to the UAE,” he added.
Successful candidates, aged between 22 and 45, will be employed on two-year renewable contracts across the UAE’s six emirates. Salaries will range from KSh 35,000 (900 AED) to KSh 105,000 (3,000 AED) per month. They must meet medical and professional requirements, including a valid passport and clearance from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Kericho County Deputy Speaker Eric Bett praised the government for spearheading the initiative, emphasizing its potential to reduce unemployment and increase foreign remittances. KERITTVC Board Chairman Reuben Langat echoed similar sentiments, reiterating the crucial role of TVET institutions in developing a globally competitive workforce.
For recruits facing financial constraints, the government has arranged funding through the Youth Enterprise Fund, enabling them to pay for airfare and settle repayment after securing employment.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced plans to recruit at least 10,000 Kenyans for the UAE’s construction industry starting in 2025, further solidifying Kenya’s position as a key supplier of skilled labor to the global market.
