A total of 105,367 Kenyans have secured employment abroad, with opportunities in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, according to government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. Speaking to Nation FM, Mwaura emphasized that the government is nearing completion of bilateral discussions with additional nations, including Russia, Poland, and Jordan, in an effort to diversify Kenya’s labor export destinations.
He confirmed that the new recruitment process for international jobs will open from November 18 to December 6, 2024, across various counties. Mwaura encouraged Kenyans to take advantage of these opportunities, noting that they offer not only employment but also a chance to acquire skills and technology that could benefit Kenya.
The government has also focused on creating local job opportunities. Mwaura highlighted the Affordable Housing Project, which has created over 160,000 jobs for Kenyan youth. With 124,000 housing units under construction across 75 sites in 37 counties, this initiative continues to generate substantial employment. Additionally, more than 547,000 Kenyans have registered on the Boma Yangu platform, a project aimed at improving housing for citizens.
Another key initiative, the Climate WorX Mtaani program, is set to provide jobs for 200,000 Kenyans across the country, with each county expected to have at least 1,500 beneficiaries. Nairobi has already launched this initiative, and it will soon be expanded to other regions.
Mwaura also shared that the government has established 274 digital hubs and is partnering with the private sector to create an additional 1,450 hubs in every ward across the nation. Through the Jitume program, over 490,000 Kenyans have gained digital skills, and 149,000 individuals have been connected to online job opportunities.
In addition to these initiatives, Mwaura noted that Kenya’s decision to offer free visa entry has contributed to a boost in the service industry, with an expected 2.5 million visitors in 2024, a significant increase from 1.4 million in 2022. The government has also positioned Kenya as a prime destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), further stimulating the service sector and providing new employment avenues for Kenyans.
