Kenya’s President William Ruto has signed an agreement with Qatar to send 13,000 Kenyans to the Gulf state for employment, bolstering its labor market. The Labor Mobility Programme aims to equip Kenyan youth with global skills and diverse work experiences, contributing to national development.
“This milestone will streamline the movement of Kenyan workers to Qatar, eliminate past bottlenecks, and strengthen oversight to safeguard our citizens from rogue recruitment practices,” President Ruto said.
The agreement includes establishing a Qatari Visa Center in Nairobi by 2026 to simplify the recruitment process and enhance worker protection. Approximately 90,000 Kenyans are currently working in Qatar, with concerns raised about 5,000 Kenyan refugees due to unfulfilled job promises.
“We are committed to expanding quality job opportunities for our young people through the Labour Mobility Programme, helping to equip them to acquire global experience and skills that they ultimately bring back home to support Kenya’s development,” President Ruto stated.
The Qatari Visa Center will provide biometric registration, contract verification, and orientation services, ensuring compliance with Qatar’s labor laws and safeguarding workers’ rights. Job categories include cleaners, drivers, nurses, chefs, and skilled professionals.