Labor Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore Launches Helpline for Kenyan Workers in the Gulf

Labor CS Florence Bore has revealed plans to establish labour attache offices in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to provide support for Kenyan workers in the Gulf nations.

This announcement was made during a send-off event for a group of migrant workers at the National Employment Authority (NEA) in Kasarani on Tuesday. Bore has assured the workers that the government places great importance on their well-being and has effective measures in place to address any concerns they may have. Workers are encouraged to report any difficulties they encounter through a Toll-free number or a government website.

Bore emphasizes the significance of migrant workers, highlighting their resilience, talent, and hard work as representatives of the Kenyan people. She acknowledges their crucial roles in the economies of the host countries across various sectors, underscoring their contribution to professional growth. To fulfil the government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities, Bore underscores initiatives such as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation which prioritizes labour migration for economic development.

She emphasizes the advantages of working abroad, including the acquisition of valuable skills, contributing to the economy through remittances, and bringing back technological advancements. During the event, she motivated the workers to wholeheartedly embrace their path with a sense of pride and self-assurance, highlighting that they are making a valuable contribution to their achievements and the overall progress of their homeland. Meanwhile, the government’s recent announcement of 2,500 nursing job openings in Saudi Arabia has received a disappointingly low number of applications, according to the Ministry of Labour. Despite advertising the vacancies, only 1,000 applications have been received so far.

The Ministry is concerned about the low number of applications as the goal is to send 2,500 nurses to Saudi Arabia by the end of February. However, the Ministry assures the public that talks have already taken place between the two governments, and Kenyans should not hesitate to seize this opportunity. The government is working with trusted recruitment agencies to ensure the well-being of the hired nurses. In early January, the Ministry of Labour invited applicants to apply for 2,500 positions in the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia. These positions include general nurses, personal assistants, and healthcare assistants.

Fast Reliable Enterprises and Nasmama Services Limited have been chosen by the ministry to handle the hiring of nurses for Saudi Arabia. The selection process was rigorous and competitive. These two organizations will be responsible for recruiting 2,500 nurses from various specialities to improve healthcare in Saudi Arabia.