Kenyans Secure Well Paying Jobs in Qatar as Matiang'i's Deal Takes Shape

Former interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i addressing the media following a security meeting in Kisii on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.
Former interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i addressing the media following a security meeting in Kisii on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.
Ministry of Interior

Hundreds of Kenyans secured well-paying jobs in Qatar ahead of the FIFA World Cup following a deal sealed by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.

Speaking on Tuesday, November 1, a government official based in the Middle East country indicated that the employment deal resulted from negotiations between different governments.

"We also have an agreement with Interpol and international policing so that we make sure we have a knowledge transfer that is happening from people who hosted the previous event to the current ones," she stated.

Kenyans who secured job opportunities were deployed to the state-of-the-art facility set to provide security during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

One of the Stadium set to be used during the FIFA World Cup tournament
One of the Stadium set to be used during the FIFA World Cup tournament.
Arch Daily

The Central Command Center, where Kenyans are stationed, is fitted with computers linked with CCTV cameras monitoring all the stadiums in Qatar. 

Staff at the centre can identify any calls for distress before escalating to relevant authorities in Qatar.

Other than securing the safety of FIFA World cup fans, Kenyans were also deployed to Metro stations and tasked with overseeing the movement of people as the tournament kicks off on November 20.

One of the Kenyans who landed a job in Qatar indicated that the opportunity had allowed him to interact with other experts and gain relevant experience.

"We have people who are working in different managerial positions while others are serving as marshals guiding people ahead of the tournament," he stated.

"As Kenyans we are very excited about the opportunities. We really appreciate that our country has a good memorandum of understanding with the country that has given us visa and employment opportunities to come and work in Qatar," he added.

On December 2021, Matiang'i indicated that the government was at an advanced stage of securing jobs for Kenyans at the FIFA World Cup. 

The former Interior CS indicated that Qatar was interested in securing security services from Kenya.

“In principle, we agreed with the Minister of Interior of Qatar that Kenya could provide security personnel to support the Supreme Committee on Delivery and Legacy of Qatar in providing security services during the 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar,” Matiang’i stated. 

Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
Former Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
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