Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has announced a temporary halt to the ongoing overseas job recruitment exercise to expedite the processing of over 5,931 applications that have already been received. The decision, made after an overwhelming number of applicants participated in the exercise conducted across six counties, aims to streamline the recruitment process.
Speaking at the Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Dr. Mutua explained that the suspension would allow the government to better align the process with the needs of recruiting agencies and job seekers. “This pause will ensure that both the agencies and applicants are well-prepared, creating a more efficient system,” he stated.
The recruitment exercise, which aims to provide Kenyans with overseas job opportunities, will resume after December 12. Successful applicants are expected to receive notifications by December 4, according to Dr. Mutua. “This suspension also gives recruitment agencies the time needed to manage the high demand effectively,” he added.
Despite the progress made, many job seekers have raised concerns about the high agency fees involved in visa and passport processing, which some find unaffordable. Addressing these concerns, Dr. Mutua encouraged applicants to seek financial assistance from family and friends. “The lucrative pay offered by overseas jobs will enable successful candidates to repay these initial costs quickly,” he emphasized.
Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime also highlighted the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in enhancing the employability of Kenyans. “The technical skills taught in Kenyan TVET institutions make our applicants highly competitive in the international job market,” Mwadime remarked.
