The government has temporarily paused the nationwide recruitment of job seekers seeking employment abroad, Labour CS Alfred Mutua has announced.
Mutua explained that the break is necessary for the government to take stock of progress made so far and reorganize the recruitment processes.
The exercise, which began on November 20 in Machakos County, has so far covered six counties. Speaking at the Nyandarua National Polytechnic on Wednesday, where the recruitment was conducted, Mutua said, “We are taking a small break from the recruitment process to allow stock-taking, reorganize the processes based on our learnings, and process the applications received so far so that people can proceed overseas.”
The recruitment drive was scheduled to continue in Kakamega County on Thursday but has now been suspended pending the review.
Mutua cited a human resource issue, noting that the same agents involved in the recruitment process are also required for the review exercise. The review will ensure that successful applicants have all their documents in order.
“So, we are pausing temporarily to meet with all parties concerned. I want to ensure passports and certificates of good conduct are processed before we resume,” he said.
The CS added that the break would allow for realignment of the schedule following requests from some governors, as the current dates clash with other pre-planned events. Venue suggestions from local leaders will also be incorporated to enhance efficiency.
“I want to coordinate with leaders mobilizing for the exercise to ensure we align appropriately with county leadership, including MPs, MCAs, governors, and senators,” Mutua explained.
So far, the exercise has been conducted in Machakos, Kitui, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Baringo, and Makueni counties.
According to Mutua, 5,931 Kenyans have secured overseas job opportunities since the recruitment drive began ten days ago. Nakuru County registered the highest number of applicants at 2,516, followed by Nyandarua (925), Kitui (901), Machakos (752), Baringo (640), and Makueni (410).
Mutua reiterated the government’s commitment to linking skilled Kenyans with international employment opportunities to tackle unemployment.
“The initiative is a testament to the government’s seriousness in addressing unemployment while boosting foreign remittances. All successful applicants will be contacted by Wednesday next week, and a new schedule will be announced after Jamhuri Day,” he noted.
Mutua also encouraged young Kenyans to pursue technical training, which is highly sought after by global employers.
“We are optimistic about expanding the programme to cover all 47 counties, ensuring more Kenyans benefit. This effort is a significant step toward reducing unemployment and strengthening Kenya’s position in the global labour market,” he added.
