President William Ruto has announced that Qatar will offer 13,000 fresh job opportunities to Kenyan professionals and skilled workers, a move that will increase the total number of Kenyans employed in the Gulf nation to nearly 90,000.
Speaking after a bilateral meeting with Qatar’s Labour Minister Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri on the sidelines of the United Nations Social Development Summit in Doha, President Ruto said the new opportunities mark a major step in expanding international employment prospects for Kenyan youth.
“This will give more of our young people access to global employment, competitive earnings, and pathways to uplift their families and communities while contributing to national growth,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the Labour Mobility Programme, describing overseas placements as crucial in helping young Kenyans gain global experience and skills that can drive national development upon their return.
“We are committed to expanding quality job opportunities for our young people through the Labour Mobility Programme, helping them acquire international experience and expertise that they ultimately bring back home to support Kenya’s growth,” he added.
A key outcome of the talks was an agreement to operationalize a Qatari Visa Centre in Nairobi by early 2026.
The centre will simplify and expedite the processing of employment visas, minimize bureaucratic delays, and strengthen oversight to protect Kenyan workers from exploitation by unscrupulous recruiters.
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“This milestone will streamline the movement of Kenyan workers to Qatar, eliminate past bottlenecks, and enhance protection against rogue recruitment practices,” President Ruto noted.
Since 2024, the Kenyan government has organized multiple recruitment drives for skilled and semi-skilled workers seeking employment in Qatar.
Successful applicants have been promised attractive pay packages and favorable living conditions.
Job categories advertised include cleaners, drivers, nurses, chefs, kitchen helpers, bar attendants, waiters, supervisors, and children’s attendants; reflecting the wide range of opportunities available in Qatar’s growing service and hospitality industries.
President Ruto emphasized that the continued partnership with Qatar underscores Kenya’s dedication to connecting its youth with safe, dignified, and well-paying global job opportunities that not only transform individual lives but also strengthen the country’s economy.