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Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has said that Kenya has agreed with Etihad Airways to hire Kenyan pilots and technical professionals.

Mutua made the revelation after meeting with the airline, which is resuming its flight programmes in the country.

“I had the pleasure of joining the celebration of Etihad Airlines’ resumption of flights to Kenya. This milestone reflects growing confidence in Kenya’s economy.

“Recently, we also welcomed Brussels Airlines, Zambia Airlines, and Air Asia, signalling that Kenya’s economy is expanding and remains a prime destination for business.

“I am thrilled that these airlines bring numerous job opportunities for Kenyans, particularly in Nairobi,” Mutua said in a statement on X on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Recruitment drive

The CS added that the airline will conduct roadshows aimed at recruiting qualified Kenyans to work with them.

“Moreover, we have agreed with Etihad Airlines to hold a recruitment roadshow in Kenya this coming January. The initiative will focus on hiring Kenyan pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and ground handling personnel.

“I commend Etihad Airlines for its efficiency and exceptional service, and I warmly welcome them back to Kenya. Kweli, Mbele iko Sawa!” he added.

The CS has been at the forefront of pushing for Kenyans to get jobs abroad. He has held recruitment drives aimed at selecting Kenyans who are qualified and linking them with jobs outside the country.

“The first, second, and third groups of Kenyan workers heading to Qatar have all arrived safely in Doha. Upon landing, they were warmly received by their employing agencies and government officials at the airport and swiftly facilitated to their respective destinations, ready to begin work and build their livelihoods immediately. The fourth and final group, which departed JKIA today, has also arrived safely, marking the successful completion of this phase of deployment.

“Over the past few days, a total of 300 Kenyan workers have made this transformative journey. The first group of 30 left Nairobi, followed by the second group of 28 and the third group of 80. The final group of 145 arrived safely and is now settling into their new environments, prepared to begin working and gaining valuable skills.

“These dynamic and determined individuals embody the Kenyan spirit of resilience and hard work. They are excited to not only transform their lives but also contribute to Kenya’s development through remittances and the expertise they will eventually bring back home,” the former Machakos County governor recently announced.