The Kenyan government has launched an ambitious national job recruitment programme aimed at securing overseas employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Kenyans. This initiative, unveiled by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua on Monday, marks a significant step in addressing the country’s unemployment crisis and boosting its economic outlook. Phase I of the recruitment programme is set to run from November 20, 2024, to February 20, 2025, with the first recruitment exercise kicking off at the Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind on November 20.
The government is targeting the creation of 20,000 job opportunities abroad, a move that underscores the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to leveraging international labour demand to alleviate unemployment domestically. According to CS Mutua, the programme aims to transform lives and significantly improve Kenya’s economic standing, with a goal to enhance foreign exchange earnings through remittances from Kenyans working abroad.
Expanding Opportunities in Over 20 Counties
This initial phase of the recruitment programme will focus on at least 20 counties, with plans to expand the effort before the end of the year. The government hopes that this initiative will not only provide jobs but also create a pathway for Kenyan workers to contribute to their families’ financial well-being and help stabilize the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Mutua has encouraged all eligible Kenyans to participate in the recruitment process, emphasizing that the programme has the potential to open new economic horizons.
To facilitate the smooth application process, the government has advised all prospective applicants to secure necessary documentation, including certificates of good conduct and passports, through the E-Citizen platform. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Immigration Department will be available at the recruitment centers to assist with the acquisition of the required documents, ensuring that all applicants meet international standards for employment abroad.
Kenya’s Growing Role in Global Labour Migration
Labour migration has long been an important pillar of the Kenyan economy, and recent data underscores its significance. According to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), remittances from Kenyans living abroad totaled Sh56.7 billion ($437.2 million) in October 2024, representing a 22.9% increase compared to the same period last year. This rise in remittance inflows is seen as a stabilizing factor for the Kenyan economy, contributing to the country’s current account and foreign exchange market.
The government’s recruitment programme aims to take advantage of this trend, with the ultimate goal of placing at least one million Kenyans in overseas jobs annually. This would not only further increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings but also empower individuals by offering them better employment prospects and career development opportunities. To date, over three million Kenyans are working abroad, illustrating the growing demand for Kenyan labour in the international market.
Job Opportunities Available
The national job recruitment programme offers a wide range of opportunities for Kenyans across various sectors. Among the available positions are skilled roles such as electrical engineers, civil engineers, nurses, and paramedics. Additionally, there are numerous semi-skilled positions, including jobs in hospitality, security, construction, and domestic work. Specific roles include electricians, plumbers, chefs, waiters, bakers, mechanics, and drivers, among others.
The programme’s diverse offerings ensure that individuals with a variety of skills and backgrounds have a chance to secure employment abroad. For instance, there are positions for mechanics, hairdressers, caregivers, packagers, and even cleaners. With such a broad array of jobs available, the programme promises to cater to the diverse skill set of the Kenyan workforce.
Ensuring Protection for Kenyans Abroad
While the programme presents exciting opportunities for Kenyans seeking overseas employment, CS Mutua also addressed concerns about the mistreatment of some Kenyans working abroad. He reassured applicants that these incidents are isolated and being dealt with individually, and emphasized that all Kenyans working overseas are protected by both international and local laws. He also urged those taking up the new opportunities to act with integrity and uphold Kenya’s good reputation on the global stage.
This national recruitment programme represents a major step forward in the government’s efforts to create employment opportunities for Kenyans while strengthening the country’s ties to the global economy. By providing a structured, transparent, and well-supported recruitment process, the government aims to help more Kenyans achieve better livelihoods while contributing to the country’s economic growth.
