Ruto Secures 13,000 Job Opportunities for Kenyan Youth in Qatar

President William Ruto has announced that the government of Qatar has offered 13,000 job opportunities to Kenyan youth as part of a new bilateral labour agreement designed to address rising unemployment in the country

Speaking during a public rally in Makueni County, the President said the deal forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to create employment, boost foreign remittances, and empower young people economically

“We have four plans to help young people find jobs because we agreed that the biggest challenge in Kenya is that many youth have completed school but remain unemployed,” President Ruto stated

He noted that over 600,000 young Kenyans are already engaged in ongoing government projects such as affordable housing, markets, and hostels. “If you are a plumber, carpenter, mason, or architect, there is work for you,” he said

Ruto also urged young people to explore opportunities in the digital space through government programs such as Jitume Centres, ICT Hubs, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiatives

“We now have opportunities for young people to work remotely for companies in the United States, Europe, or Germany while living right here in Makueni and earning a salary,” he added

During the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) held in Doha, Qatar, Ruto revealed that Kenya had signed bilateral labour agreements with 19 countries, with Qatar offering 13,000 positions specifically for Kenyan workers

“Together with Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, we have agreed that we must secure employment for our youth wherever opportunities exist,” Ruto said

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The President disclosed that approximately 20,000 Kenyans have already secured jobs abroad in the past three months through what he termed as the “Export of Labour” initiative

“I have been told, ‘Mr. President, bring us 13,000 more Kenyan youth. There are job opportunities for them in Qatar. They will earn in dollars, uplift their lives, and build our nation,’” he said

Ruto further stated that his administration has helped about 400,000 young people secure employment abroad over the last three months and encouraged more youth to apply for the newly launched NYOTA Programme, which aims to equip them with job-ready skills and connect them to local and international employers

“Through this program, we have already supported thousands of young Kenyans to access work opportunities both locally and overseas,” he said

The President reaffirmed his commitment to addressing unemployment through innovative partnerships, both within Kenya and globally, emphasizing that youth empowerment remains central to his administration’s economic agenda