The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection under Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, will now train house-helps, also known as house managers, before they depart for Saudi Arabia for employment in Saudi homes.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, CS Mutua announced the official launch of the ‘Model Saudi House’ at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in Mombasa County, a joint project between the Ministry, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
“The Model Saudi House will provide job recruits with a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with Arabian culture and home ambience, ensuring they adapt more easily to their new work environments. This initiative enhances their preparedness and marketability, giving them a competitive edge in the international job market,” said CS Mutua in part.
He also emphasized on the importance of employees bound for Saudi Arabia having the right attitude and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle including avoiding drugs, in order to successfully compete for foreign jobs.
“I urge young Kenyans to take advantage of ongoing job interviews, as the government has already implemented measures to shorten the training period and introduced attractive financing options to support their travel abroad. Through such initiatives, we are not only expanding employment opportunities but also ensuring our workforce is well-equipped to thrive in foreign job markets. Mbele iko sawa,” concluded CS Mutua.
As part of supporting the exportation of Kenya’s informal labor abroad, CS Mutua previously announced the roll out of financial aid to youth planning to go abroad for jobs. In partnership with the Youth Fund, CS Mutua intends that Kenyan youth who secure jobs in the United Arab Emirates and other countries but will be unable to cater for pre-travel costs would be vetted and provided with ‘migration loans’ of up to Sh 300,000 for visa fees, airfare and other related expenses.
“As a government, we have successfully secured thousands of job opportunities abroad, but many qualified candidates struggle to take up these positions due to financial constraints. This partnership will help bridge that gap, ensuring that deserving young Kenyans do not miss out on life-changing opportunities due to lack of funds. (Youth Fund) CEO Josiah Moriasi reaffirmed the Youth Fund’s commitment to supporting labor mobility by removing financial barriers that hinder youth from accessing jobs overseas. He noted that in this financial year alone, the Fund has disbursed Ksh 94 million, benefiting 422 youth. This initiative aligns with our broader goal of empowering young people by providing them with the means to access decent and well-paying jobs globally, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to Kenya’s economic growth.
Mbele iko sawa,” said CS Mutua on February 19, 2025.
