The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has launched a recruitment exercise aimed at providing Kenyan youth with job opportunities abroad in line with the government’s commitment to curb youth unemployment.
Around two Thousand youths congregated at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park in Mombasa to participate in the recruitment exercise, which targeted employment placements in Gulf countries.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to curb rising unemployment, particularly among youth.
Speaking during the exercise, Coast Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Mwinyi Mzee lauded the Ministry’s efforts, terming the initiative a step in the right direction towards addressing the country’s labor and employment demands.
“We appreciate the Ministry’s intervention in linking our youth to employment opportunities abroad. This is a clear indication that the government is taking practical steps to reduce the unemployment rate in the country,” said Mzee.
During the drive, participants were asked to present relevant documents including academic certificates, a valid certificate of good conduct, an updated curriculum vitae, and a passport.
“One should do proper research and due diligence with the National Employment Authority on the recruiting companies to avoid scams,” noted Mzee.
However, concerns emerged among some attendees regarding alleged demands for commission fees by agents. While the Ministry had earlier communicated that the process was free of charge, some youth reported being asked to pay up to sh170,000 to secure placement.
A youth Matano Kimani Ngala, a resident of Likoni and currently a boda boda rider said he was upbeat on the new opportunity. “I have been a boda boda rider for the past five years and I am thankful to the government for this opportunity to change my life,” said Ngala.
However, he expressed uncertainty over the cash pronouncement saying the money would be a challenge to raise for most youths as they were unemployed.
“We came here thinking the jobs were free, but now we’re being told to pay Sh170,000. The Ministry should mitigate this issue to assist potential candidates who cannot afford the prescribed fee,” added Ngala.
Officials from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund said negotiations are underway to support qualified applicants aged between 18 and 34 years. They added that the fund may offer financial assistance to cover placement related costs for eligible individuals, easing the burden on job seekers.
By Covenant Njeru and Shamim Musa
