On Monday, Kenyans made a last-minute effort to submit applications for sought-after job opportunities in the Middle East as the four-day recruitment exercise came to a close. The event attracted around 20,000 hopeful applicants who flocked to various interview stations in Nairobi, competing for just 8,000 available positions.
Officials from a Middle Eastern company conducted interviews for roles in hospitality, service, construction, and technical fields. Simon Karanja, an electrical engineering graduate struggling to make ends meet for three years, found his diverse skill set to be an unexpected advantage. “There are no jobs, and we’re struggling to survive. Today you might earn something, but tomorrow you might not. Thankfully, God has helped us, and we’ve passed,” he shared. “I don’t just focus on electrical work—I also do tiling because you can’t just sit around. You have to be willing to do what you didn’t study for.”
Daniel Githuka expressed his excitement after passing the interview, sharing that he had arrived at the station on Sunday night only to be asked to return Monday. Despite the turnout, most applicants were rejected for lacking essential practical skills.
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Labor Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua assured that the successful candidates' airfare would be covered by the unnamed Qatari employer, who also plans to provide accommodation. However, Mutua explained that the Qatari company would only cover the major relocation costs, as they believe that paying part of the expenses encourages workers to remain committed. Applicants are responsible for their passport application fees.
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