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Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced the commencement of the government’s ambitious national job recruitment programme aimed at securing overseas employment for skilled and semi-skilled Kenyans.

The programme, which officially begins today will be launched at the Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind and is expected to cover all counties, with at least 20 counties slated for recruitment before the year ends.

Speaking after meeting with local recruitment agents partnering with the government, Dr Mutua revealed that the first phase of the plan will offer 20,000 jobs.

He emphasised the importance of proper documentation for applicants, urging those attending interviews to ensure they have applied for Certificates of Good Conduct and passports via the e-Citizen platform.

“Applicants must complete these requirements to facilitate the capturing of fingerprints by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Immigration Department,” Mutua explained.

Labour migration

The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to place at least one million Kenyans in overseas jobs annually, a significant boost to Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings. Currently, over three million Kenyans work abroad, making labour migration a key contributor to the economy.

Addressing concerns about mistreatment of Kenyans working abroad, Dr Mutua reassured the public that such cases are addressed individually and should not undermine efforts to create employment opportunities.

“All Kenyans working abroad are protected by international and local laws. Isolated incidents of mistreatment should not discourage eligible Kenyans from seizing these opportunities,” he argued.