Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua
- 97 views
On Saturday evening, Dr. Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, officiated a farewell ceremony for a new group of skilled Kenyan drivers departing for Qatar.
This deployment forms part of a larger initiative that recently saw 3,000 Kenyans interviewed for various job opportunities. The recruits will bolster the workforce in Doha, joining around 70,000 Kenyans already contributing to Qatar's economy and reinforcing the growing employment ties between the two nations. Dr. Mutua expressed appreciation for Qatar's ongoing support and the diverse opportunities it offers Kenyan workers.
He stressed the significant diplomatic relations that have developed between Kenya and Qatar since 2003, characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and strategic cooperation. Every week, hundreds of Kenyans embark on this journey, seeking to improve their living conditions while helping in the development efforts within both countries.
Addressing concerns regarding the safety and the status of Kenyans in Qatar, Dr Mutua reassured attendees that all Kenyans present in the country are employed or visiting, dismissing rumours of any Kenyan refugees. He highlighted the thriving job market in Qatar which has considerably benefited the Qatari economy. Looking ahead, Dr Mutua announced plans for future agreements to facilitate further labour mobility between Kenya and Qatar.
He intends to sign a bilateral agreement with Qatar’s Minister of Labour Dr Ali Bin Samikh Al-Marri to enhance the movement of skilled workers and expand employment opportunities for Kenyans. A pivotal development from Dr. Al-Marri's visit to Kenya is the proposal to establish a Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) in Nairobi. This centre aims to streamline pre-departure processes, combat irregular migration, and ensure efficient mobility for Kenyan workers.
The establishment of the QVC is anticipated to address several challenges related to labour mobility. Dr Mutua expresses optimism that this initiative would further strengthen the robust partnership between the two nations and open additional avenues for Kenyan workers.