The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection on Saturday, April 29, signed bilateral labour agreements with seven countries to help Kenyans secure jobs abroad.
The Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore revealed that some of the countries included Canada, South Korea and Germany where negotiations were already in advanced stages.
Further, she noted that Kenya and Saudi Arabia had signed a deal to offer job opportunities to 130,000 qualified Kenyans.
“Germany will be here next week. They have assured us that they have about seven million jobs. This is huge and we want our people to benefit,” she stated
Further, the CS noted that the government was already reviewing the existing bilateral labour relations and developing a National Labour Policy to regulate and control recruitment agencies.
She added that the government was also reviewing laws to safeguard Kenyans who were working abroad.
“What we have as a country is a human resource. People have graduated with various degrees and courses but do not have jobs.
“We want to sell this out there and be able to secure opportunities for them,” Bore added.
The labour CS also encouraged all unemployed Kenyans to register with the National Employment Authority to benefit from the opportunities being sought abroad and within the country.
Earlier on April 27, the United States noted that Kenya was the second most preferred destination for investment because it had a stable democracy and a gateway to the regional market with almost 500 million consumers.
The American Government signed several deals with the Kenyan Government to invest in different sectors of the country and establish industries that would also provide employment opportunities for Kenyans.
"Delivering on the commitments made at the US-Africa Leaders Summit, Ambassador Whitman announced six new Prosper Africa co-investments with Kenyan and American apparel companies valued at Ksh667 billion ($55 million)," a statement by the US embassy read in part.
