The State Department for Labour and Skills Development will host a two-day recruitment drive targeting job seekers in Nyeri County under the “Kazi Majuu” initiative, starting tomorrow. The event, set to take place at the Nyeri National Polytechnic, aims to link Kenyans with lucrative job opportunities in the construction industry abroad, with initial placements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expected from early next year.
In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, outlined the government’s ambitious plan to recruit at least 10,000 skilled individuals for positions such as steel fixers, masons, scaffolders, carpenters, and waterproofing technicians. Salaries for the advertised positions will range between Ksh30,000 and Ksh60,000, with additional benefits, including free accommodation, transport, food, and medical care, provided by employers.
Immediate Placement for Successful Applicants
National Employment Authority (NEA) Principal Employment Officer, Sheila Kiganka, confirmed that the recruitment targets 500 recruits for each position in Nyeri County alone. Candidates who successfully pass the selection process will receive their appointment letters on the spot, enabling them to begin preparations to meet travel and documentation requirements.
“To be considered, applicants must present a valid certificate for the advertised position from a recognized institution,” Kiganka emphasized. She added that those selected must act swiftly to obtain travel documents, as the jobs require immediate filling.
“Once recruitment is completed, successful candidates will be issued preliminary letters. They are then expected to expedite acquiring their travel documents and arrange finances to ensure they don’t miss out,” she explained.
Expanded Opportunities in Foreign Markets
Beyond construction roles in the UAE, the government is also linking skilled Kenyans to opportunities in other countries, including the UK, US, Germany, Australia, Qatar, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. These markets are currently grappling with labor shortages, particularly in technical fields.
The initiative extends beyond construction to cover other professions such as nursing, engineering, carpentry, plumbing, beauticians, teaching, and driving. By last month, NEA had identified 57 skill sets required by prospective employers abroad, ensuring that Kenyans with diverse qualifications can find placements.
Mobilization and Awareness Campaigns
To maximize participation, the government has deployed a multi-agency approach involving national and county officials, the Youth Fund, tertiary colleges, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This collaborative effort aims to raise awareness and encourage job seekers to register on the NEA portal for free.
The NEA recruitment platform, which began Phase 1 of its national rollout in Machakos earlier this week, is expected to facilitate a seamless linkage between job seekers and both local and international employers. As of last month, 1,690 Nyeri residents had already registered on the platform, showcasing keen interest in the opportunities provided.
“We are registering both job seekers and employers on the National Employment Authority platform to connect them with regulated foreign employment agencies and local job markets,” said Kiganka. She underscored that this initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s Economic Pillar, which prioritizes reducing unemployment to empower Kenyan society economically.
Supporting Kenya’s Economic Goals
By creating pathways for skilled Kenyans to secure international job opportunities, the government is addressing rising unemployment rates while tapping into global demand for technical expertise. Kiganka noted that NEA aims to make a significant impact through this program and urged more Kenyans to take advantage of the free registration process.
With such initiatives, the State Department for Labour and Skills Development is not only bridging the gap between skilled labor and demand but also fostering economic empowerment for Kenyan families. As the two-day drive begins tomorrow, hundreds of job seekers are expected to seize this unique opportunity to enhance their livelihoods and represent Kenya on the global stage.
