Gov't To Deploy 5-10k Kenyans For Jobs Abroad Weekly, Alfred Mutua Announces

• Labour Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua said there were plenty of job opportunities for Kenyans abroad
• The CS said the government will work with financial institutions to provide job seekers with credit to enable them to travel overseas
• President William Ruto revealed he secured one million jobs for Kenyans in 19 countries abroad, asking the youth to take advantage

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The government plans to export 5,000 to 10,000 Kenyans for jobs abroad weekly.

Labour Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua said the government will work with financial institutions to give job seekers credit.

Mutua spoke in Nairobi while outlining measures expected to streamline labour mobility.

"My target is to get 5,000 to 10,000 people to go out of the country every single week. So there are several things we have decided to do like talking to the financial institutions so that they can be able to give them credit," he said.

What are the new labour reforms?

The CS announced other reforms, including implementing a new registration system for employment agencies to enhance the recruitment and deployment processes.

Mutua noted the initial registration certificate for a new employment agency will now cost KSh 500,000 and have a one-year validity.

"The renewal of registration certificates will be extended to a period of two years, a change from the current one-year renewal period. This will be priced at Ksh 500,000 for two years, or Ksh 250,000 per year with an option for a one-year renewal," the Ministry of Labour stated.

How many jobs did Ruto secure abroad?

President William Ruto revealed he secured one million jobs for Kenyans in 19 countries abroad, asking the youth to take advantage.

Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary (PS) Shadrack Mwadime asked the youth to apply for the vacancies through the National Employment Authority portal.

The president sympathised with the youth unemployment crisis, recalling his experience of not finding employment until his election as MP.

How many jobs were created in 2023 in Kenya?

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Economic Survey Report 2024 showed that 848,200 new jobs were generated in 2023.

Key sectors that registered growth were modern and informal industries, with the exception of small-scale farmers.

New jobs created in the formal sector grew by 4.1% to 122,800, while self-employment grew from 168,100 in 2022 to 172,400 in 2023.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.