By our Staff Reporter
Hundreds of Kenyan job seekers thronged Kenyatta University for a three-day M-Ajira recruitment drive targeting over 500 truck driver positions in Saudi Arabia, as the government continues to promote overseas employment opportunities for the youth.
The exercise, organized under the government-backed labour mobility programme, attracted applicants from different parts of the country seeking opportunities in the Middle East amid rising unemployment levels in Kenya.
Officials overseeing the recruitment said the programme is aimed at connecting qualified Kenyan drivers with international employers while ensuring safe and legal migration for work opportunities abroad.
The recruitment targeted experienced heavy commercial vehicle drivers, with successful candidates expected to secure contracts to work with logistics and transport companies in Saudi Arabia.
Long queues were witnessed at the university grounds as applicants arrived early carrying their academic certificates, driving licences, passports and other travel documents required for verification.
Some of the job seekers said the opportunity offered hope for better pay and improved living standards compared to limited opportunities locally.
“I have worked as a truck driver for several years but getting stable employment has been difficult. This opportunity gives us hope of supporting our families,” said one applicant during the exercise.
Recruitment officials noted that the demand for Kenyan workers abroad continues to grow due to their skills, discipline and professionalism.
They added that all selected candidates will undergo mandatory clearance processes, medical examinations and orientation programmes before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
The officials also cautioned Kenyans against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agencies, urging job seekers to apply only through government-approved channels and licensed agencies.
The M-Ajira recruitment initiative forms part of broader government efforts to address unemployment by expanding access to international labour markets. In recent years, Kenya has signed several bilateral labour agreements with foreign countries to facilitate safe labour migration and protect workers’ rights.
Labour sector stakeholders who attended the exercise said overseas employment opportunities can help reduce pressure on the local job market while boosting remittances to the country.
However, human rights groups have previously raised concerns about the welfare of migrant workers in some Middle East countries, calling for stronger protections and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard Kenyans working abroad.
Despite the concerns, many youths attending the recruitment exercise expressed optimism that the programme could transform their lives and provide economic stability for their families.
The recruitment exercise is expected to conclude after interviews, document verification and assessment of the applicants before successful candidates are shortlisted for deployment.
