Kenya’s government continues to prioritize labor export as a strategy to tackle rising unemployment, with Qatar emerging as a key destination for Kenyan workers. In a recent meeting with Qatari Ambassador to Kenya, Mohamed Al-Enazi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed that the government is looking to expand job opportunities for teachers, nurses, and security personnel in Qatar. Since 2024, Qatar has already employed 7,000 Kenyans, pushing the total number of Kenyan workers in the Gulf country to 75,000.
Mudavadi emphasized the need for more diverse job roles, particularly for Kiswahili teachers. He expressed his hope that the recruitment would extend beyond manual labor positions to include skilled professionals. The meeting, which was also attended by Ashakur Hussein, Deputy Director General for the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and increase the number of Kenyans benefiting from Qatar’s labor market.
The Prime CS also highlighted the recent recruitment of 200 Kenyans into Qatar’s National Police Force. These new positions range from high school graduates to university degree holders. Mudavadi reiterated the importance of enhancing collaborations between the two nations, particularly in media operations and capacity building, to boost Kenya’s global standing.
The Kenyan government’s push for labor export aligns with a broader strategy to send one million Kenyans abroad annually for work. This initiative is part of a program aimed at addressing the country’s unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth. According to former Foreign Affairs CS Alfred Mutua, the initial recruitment process saw an overwhelming response, with over 5,900 applications processed. Although the program has faced criticism for potential exploitation of workers, especially in countries with poor working conditions, the government insists that it will continue to regulate the recruitment process through bilateral agreements and oversight by the Ministry of Labour.
Mudavadi also took the opportunity to invite Qatari business leaders to the World Chambers Congress scheduled to take place in Nairobi in April 2025. This historic event, the first of its kind in Africa, will offer a platform for showcasing Kenya’s thriving business landscape. Additionally, Mudavadi confirmed plans to move the upcoming Foreign Ministerial meeting from Nairobi to Doha in November 2025, further strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries.
With the Kenyan government working to diversify employment avenues for its citizens, Qatar remains a vital partner in addressing the country’s unemployment challenges.
