Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Jobs interview to continue

Following the extension of the deadline, interviews for the 3,000 jobs in the Middle East are expected to continue for half a day today.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, however, decried the lack of technical skills of the applicants on Sunday, October 27, 2024, noting that several job seekers were turned down as a result of their inability to perform technical procedures.

Mutua who visited the Kabete National Polytechnic where some of the interviews were conducted detailed that most candidates need proper training in the technical areas due to their demand abroad.

“I have today emphasized the importance of high-quality technical training for Kenyan youth during the ongoing job interviews for positions in Qatar. Nearly 20,000 candidates participated in the interviews, which were extended to accommodate additional applicants vying for 3,000 available roles.

“During my visit to Kabete National Polytechnic, I noted a high failure rate in practical assessments, with 80% of candidates struggling in technical skills like plumbing, masonry, and electrical work. I stressed that these fields hold significant demand, and only proper training can prepare our youth for future success locally and abroad,” Mutua’s statement read in part.

Mutua said the high failure rate had necessitated the extension of the deadline to accommodate other potentially qualified job seekers.

”Initially set to conclude today, the interviews have been extended to Monday to accommodate additional applicants for technical roles. This decision reflects the high demand and need for workers in fields such as plumbing, masonry, and electrical work skills,’’ a statement from the Ministry read.

National Assembly retreat

The top leadership of the National Assembly will this week retreat to Nakuru for a meeting to address key legislative priorities and strengthen collaboration.

The retreat, scheduled to take place from today, Monday, October 28, 2024, through Wednesday, October 30, 2024, is themed, “Re-Invigorating Synergy in Leadership for Accelerated Discharge of the Mandate of the National Assembly,” and builds on the last year’s September retreat theme, “Building Synergy in Leadership: Enhancing the Legislative Agenda in the National Assembly.”

A programme released by the Office of the Speaker indicates that the House leadership will convene to address key legislative priorities and strengthen synergy within the Assembly’s leadership.