Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore has revealed low applications for 2,500 jobs that were secured by President William Ruto in Saudi Arabia.
Appearing before the National Assembly's Diaspora and Migrant Committee on Thursday, April 11, the CS noted that they only received 1,765 applications.
The CS also noted that there were more male applicants than female applicants for the jobs targeting nurses.
Bore, further explained that the low applications were attributed to the low perception among Kenyans over the salary scale that was being offered.
“The shortfall in applications for the vacancies has been attributed to the low perception of the salary offer amongst applicants and the requirements for a 90-day bonding period for the Private Recruitment Agency facilitating the process,” she explained.
Notably out of the 1,765 applications, only 586 candidates met the qualifications and are set to undertake their interviews in the coming days.
Nonetheless, she reiterated that those who had already qualified for the jobs had already secured the required travel documents.
Bore added that her ministry was keen to implement measures aimed at enhancing the efficiency of travel for Kenyans who had secured jobs facilitated by the government.
The Saudi nursing jobs were advertised in January this year with the positions attracting salaries of up to Ksh146,000.
Among the requirements that were listed in the advert were the required age of 22 to 35 years. Applicants were also required to have either a certificate, diploma or degree in Nursing depending on the various job needed.
Applicants were also to be given a round air ticket upon successfully qualifying for the job.
"Applicants must have valid prometric results; if not, the same can be taken either in Kenya or KSA (Prometric test cost to be deducted from the employee's salary in 3 instalments).
"Dataflow verification report for the education certificate and Nursing Council License or latest employment certificate is mandatory," read the advert in part.
