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On the evening of Saturday, December 28, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua bid farewell to a group of Kenyan workers heading to Qatar.
This team of drivers is part of the 3,000 Kenyans who were interviewed for various positions earlier in the year and will join others already working in Doha.
During the send-off, Mutua emphasized the growing number of Kenyans seizing opportunities abroad. “Each week, Kenyans travel to Qatar to start new ventures and support their livelihoods,” he said.
He expressed appreciation for countries offering employment opportunities to Kenyans, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that drive economic growth and job creation.
This group is part of an initiative to secure overseas job placements for Kenyan workers, with Qatar being a key destination due to its high demand for skilled labor. “We are especially thankful to Qatar for its partnership in development and cooperation across various sectors. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2003, the bond between Kenya and Qatar has flourished, built on mutual respect, shared values, and strategic collaboration,” Mutua noted.
He also acknowledged Qatar for hosting nearly 70,000 Kenyans, whose contributions benefit both countries.
Mutua reassured those traveling to Qatar that it is a safe and welcoming place for work. “As the Minister responsible for Labour Mobility, I am pleased to confirm that Qatar is a secure and hospitable country for Kenyans. Contrary to earlier reports, we can confirm that there are no Kenyan refugees in Qatar; all Kenyans there are either employed or visiting this beautiful nation,” he said.
Mutua also mentioned that he would soon be signing a bilateral agreement with Qatar’s Minister of Labour, H.E. Dr. Ali Bin Samikh Al-Marri, to further enhance skilled labor mobility.
“Dr. Al-Marri’s recent visit to Kenya marked the start of increased job opportunities for Kenyan professionals and skilled workers in Qatar. This milestone highlights the strength of our partnership, and we hope to see more Kenyans traveling and working in this great country,” he concluded.
