- Kenya and Saudi Arabia introduce a new framework to expand overseas employment.
- Recruitment costs emerge as a key focus of the three-month pilot programme.
- Government warns job seekers against fraudulent overseas recruitment agents.
Kenya has entered into a new labour agreement with Saudi Arabia that seeks to create at least 10,000 employment opportunities for Kenyans every month while reducing the cost of securing jobs in the Gulf nation.
The arrangement, signed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Human Resources and Social Development, Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnain, introduces a three-month pilot programme to regulate recruitment expenses and make overseas employment more accessible.
The agreement was reached during bilateral discussions in Riyadh, where the two governments agreed to establish an affordable recruitment framework that will allow Kenyan workers to access employment without shouldering excessive placement fees.
Mutua said high recruitment charges had remained a major obstacle for job seekers, with some prospective migrant workers forced to raise substantial amounts of money before securing employment.
He said the new arrangement would introduce an agreed ceiling on the total recruitment cost, allowing workers to retain a larger share of their earnings for savings and investment.
Participation in the pilot will be voluntary, with recruitment agencies in both countries required to demonstrate their ability to operate within the proposed cost limits.
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The initiative is expected to expand employment opportunities beyond domestic work, opening up positions in healthcare, education, transport, construction, hospitality, retail and the oil and gas industry.
Among the professionals targeted are teachers, tutors, medical practitioners, drivers, hospitality personnel and construction workers.
The National Employment Authority (NEA) will coordinate the identification of eligible Kenyan recruitment agencies and facilitate the processing of job demand orders from Saudi employers.
Mutua has directed the authority to invite interested agencies to submit their credentials and supporting documents for consideration by the Saudi authorities.
Kenya will also assess the preparedness of medical centres, ensure participating agencies meet the required standards and fast-track the processing of candidates’ documentation.
On its part, Saudi Arabia will work through its embassy in Nairobi to facilitate visa processing and support the recruitment and onboarding of employers and agencies taking part in the programme.
The two governments will review the pilot after three months, examining the number of workers recruited, implementation challenges and the overall impact before determining whether to extend or modify the arrangement.
Mutua said the government was keen to expand access to international employment, particularly for skilled professionals, while negotiating better pay and improved working conditions for Kenyans abroad.
He, however, warned job seekers against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment networks, urging them to verify the credentials of agents through the NEA before accepting overseas employment offers.
The Cabinet Secretary cautioned against paying money or surrendering personal documents to individuals and agencies whose licences and job offers cannot be authenticated.
He said the government would take action against rogue recruiters involved in fraud, exploitation, human trafficking and other abuses targeting Kenyans seeking work abroad.
By Kithinji Njeru
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