Kenya is embarking on an ambitious initiative to significantly increase its workforce presence in Qatar, aiming to send 300,000 workers to the Gulf nation. This figure represents a substantial increase from the current 67,000 Kenyans working in Qatar. The plan was revealed by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua during a recent meeting with Qatar’s Labour Minister, Dr. Ali Saeed Samikh Al-Marri, in Doha. The Kenya Kwanza administration views international employment opportunities as a key strategy for stimulating economic growth and job creation in the country.

Strengthening Bilateral Agreements with Qatar

At the core of this initiative are discussions to revise the bilateral labour agreement initially signed between Kenya and Qatar in 2012. This agreement would pave the way for more Kenyans to seek employment in various sectors across Qatar, including healthcare, education, construction, and information technology. Kenya has a solid reputation for providing quality labour, especially in healthcare, education, and construction, which has made it an attractive partner for Qatar.

Qatar has been a lucrative destination for Kenyan workers, particularly as the Gulf nation continues to invest heavily in large infrastructure projects and expand its healthcare and educational systems. With demand for skilled workers increasing, Kenyan professionals are positioned to fill critical roles in these sectors. The revision of the bilateral labour agreement would enhance the ease with which Kenyans can access these job opportunities, benefiting both nations.

The Importance of the Gulf Region in Kenya’s Labour Export Strategy

Kenya’s labour export strategy under the leadership of President William Ruto is aimed at expanding international employment opportunities for Kenyans. The Gulf region, particularly Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, has become a focal point due to the region’s rapid economic growth and need for skilled labour. The demand for healthcare professionals, educators, engineers, and construction workers has been growing, creating a wealth of opportunities for Kenyan workers.

In recent years, the Kenyan government has also been in discussions with other countries beyond the Gulf region, such as Germany, to secure more labour opportunities for its citizens. These negotiations focus on deploying Kenyan professionals in fields such as healthcare, engineering, and information technology. The government’s intention is to diversify the destinations for Kenyan workers, providing more avenues for employment and increasing remittances to the Kenyan economy.

Key Sectors of Focus in Qatar

Qatar’s economy is heavily reliant on large-scale infrastructure projects, many of which were accelerated ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Even after the World Cup, the country has continued its ambitious development plans, focusing on expanding its healthcare and education systems, modernizing its transportation infrastructure, and boosting its information and communication technology sectors. These sectors are primed to benefit from the influx of skilled Kenyan workers.

For instance, Qatar’s healthcare system is undergoing significant transformation, with new hospitals and clinics being established to cater to its growing population. The demand for qualified nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals has surged, providing Kenyan healthcare workers with an excellent opportunity to contribute to this sector.

In the education sector, Qatar is expanding its network of schools, universities, and vocational training centres, which require skilled teachers and educators. Kenyan teachers are known for their high level of training and expertise, making them ideal candidates for these positions.

The construction sector also continues to thrive, and Kenya’s experienced construction workers are seen as valuable contributors to these projects, bringing expertise in both skilled and semi-skilled roles. Additionally, Qatar’s increasing focus on information and communication technology (ICT) offers Kenyan professionals the chance to work in this innovative and rapidly developing field.

Addressing Bureaucratic Challenges: The Establishment of a Qatar Visa Centre in Kenya

One of the main challenges Kenyan workers face when seeking employment abroad is the lengthy and often bureaucratic visa application process. To address this, plans are underway to establish a Qatar visa centre in Kenya. The visa centre would streamline the process for Kenyan workers, making it easier for them to obtain the necessary documentation and permits to work in Qatar.

This move is expected to significantly reduce the time it takes for workers to secure employment abroad, as well as improve the overall experience for applicants by providing them with direct access to Qatari immigration services. This development aligns with the Kenyan government’s broader strategy to open up more employment opportunities for its citizens overseas, particularly in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction, and information technology.

Ethical Recruitment and Worker Protection

Ethical recruitment practices are a key focus for the Kenyan government as it seeks to protect its citizens working abroad. Over the years, cases of mistreatment and exploitation of Kenyan workers, particularly in the Gulf region, have highlighted the need for stringent recruitment practices. The government has implemented measures to ensure that recruitment agencies adhere to strict guidelines, including providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and adequate legal protection for Kenyan workers abroad.

The government has also set up mechanisms to provide legal aid and consular services to Kenyans in case of disputes or legal issues while working in foreign countries. These services are intended to safeguard the rights of Kenyan workers and ensure that they are treated fairly in their host countries.

Additionally, the Kenyan government is working on improving the oversight of recruitment agencies, ensuring that they operate ethically and transparently. This includes licensing only those agencies that meet the set standards and have a proven track record of placing workers in ethical employment environments.

The Impact of Remittances on Kenya’s Economy

The Kenyan diaspora plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, with remittances being one of the most significant sources of foreign exchange. In 2023, remittances from Kenyan workers abroad reached a record high, contributing to economic growth and helping many families back home improve their living conditions.

Remittances provide a vital source of income for many Kenyan households, enabling them to invest in education, healthcare, housing, and small businesses. The government’s efforts to secure more international job opportunities, particularly in high-paying sectors like healthcare, engineering, and ICT, are expected to further boost remittances and provide more financial stability to Kenyan families.

According to data from the Central Bank of Kenya, remittances from the diaspora are estimated to have contributed more than KSh 500 billion in 2023 alone. With the new initiatives to send more workers abroad, particularly to lucrative markets such as Qatar, this figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Conclusion

Kenya’s strategy to increase the number of workers in Qatar from 67,000 to 300,000 is a bold and proactive approach aimed at harnessing international employment opportunities to stimulate economic growth. Through revised bilateral agreements, ethical recruitment practices, and streamlined visa processes, the Kenyan government is ensuring that its citizens can access more opportunities abroad while being protected and supported.

The impact of this initiative will be felt not only by the workers who secure jobs in Qatar but also by the Kenyan economy through increased remittances, job creation, and poverty reduction. As Kenya continues to strengthen its ties with Qatar and other nations, the future looks promising for Kenyan workers seeking opportunities abroad, as well as for the country’s economic growth trajectory.

photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

8th October, 2024