Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has expressed concern over the high failure rate among Kenyans attending recruitment interviews for semi-skilled and menial jobs offered by an unnamed Qatari company. The interviews, which began on Friday, are being conducted in Nairobi by representatives from the Middle Eastern firm looking for workers in the hospitality, service, construction, and technical sectors, according to Mutua's ministry.
The positions available include roles such as nurses, kitchen helpers, runners, child attendants, hotel maintenance technicians, light vehicle drivers, waitresses, and stewarding supervisors.
Mutua reported on Sunday that, although over 15,000 Kenyans have shown up in the past three days to compete for 8,000 available positions, only about five percent have qualified. “Out of 100 interviewed, perhaps only five pass, because many are claiming skills they do not possess,” the CS said during a press conference in Nairobi. He emphasized that the company has strict requirements and seeks genuinely qualified candidates.
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Initially set to conclude on Sunday, the recruitment has been extended to Monday noon, when the company aims to fill more roles in steel technology, carpentry, masonry, and driving. Mutua indicated that they expect around 3,000 hires on Monday.
Additionally, he mentioned that those who are hired but lack passports will have them processed in less than two days. “If you are hired but do not have a passport… I have coordinated with the Interior Ministry; you can log onto eCitizen, fill out your passport application, and receive it within a day or two in time for your visa interview,” Mutua explained.
Many youths, primarily aged 20 to 29 and some traveling overnight from other regions, have been flocking to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the mass recruitment. However, some have expressed frustration at being turned away for not having passports, despite the labour ministry’s prior announcement that passports were not required for the interviews.
The recruitment drive has faced significant criticism from certain Kenyans, who view it as part of President William Ruto’s government’s ‘obsession’ with exporting labor rather than fostering a conducive business environment domestically. Critics have also voiced concerns about encouraging Kenyans to pursue menial jobs in the Middle East, given numerous reports of abuse, exploitation, and even fatalities among Kenyan workers in those countries.
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