In a significant development, Kenyan nurses deploying to work in Saudi Arabia will now enjoy a minimum monthly salary of Sh150,000, according to the recently inked Bilateral Labour Agreement (BLA) between Kenya and the Gulf nation.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary (CS) Florence Bore unveiled this groundbreaking initiative, emphasizing the transformative impact it will have on the international employment landscape for qualified Kenyan healthcare professionals.

"As a government, we are actively exploring diverse sectors to secure job opportunities for Kenyans both locally and internationally. Our Kenyan nurses, boasting one year of experience, will receive a monthly remuneration of Sh150,000, with even higher earnings for those with more extensive work experience in Saudi Arabia," CS Bore announced.

The Cabinet Secretary went on to reveal the government's broader vision of fostering employment opportunities for Kenyans through BLAs with a total of 19 countries.

Already having secured agreements with Qatar, the United Kingdom, and now Saudi Arabia, CS Bore expressed the government's commitment to extending these collaborations further.

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"We already have Bilateral Labour Agreements with Qatar, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia. We are looking forward to 19 more countries to provide job opportunities for our people," CS Bore explained.

Highlighting the motive behind such international labour collaborations, CS Bore underscored the dire situation of youth unemployment in Kenya.

She stated, "The high rate of unemployment in our country is really dire! We have many youths who have graduated staying at home but don’t have jobs."

This year, Kenya is poised to dispatch 2,500 nurses to Saudi Arabia, with the recruitment process entrusted to Fast Reliable Enterprises and Nasmama Services Ltd., selected through a rigorous competitive evaluation.

The move is not only expected to alleviate domestic unemployment pressures but also to contribute to the development of Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector.

As part of a broader initiative, CS Bore highlighted that beyond nursing, 130,000 Kenyan youths would find employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the housing project.

Roles in plumbing, wiring, masonry, carpentry, and various other sectors are envisioned as part of this comprehensive effort to address the multifaceted challenges of unemployment in the country.

This new Bilateral Labour Agreement marks a turning point for Kenyan professionals seeking international opportunities, promising not only lucrative salaries but also avenues for skill development and career advancement on the global stage.