The stark reality of unemployment in the nation was underscored as thousands flocked to the KICC, vying for 3,000 job openings abroad.
Many job seekers held onto hope that they could secure semi-skilled and low-level positions in the Middle East.
Some of these individuals, highlighting the growing number of unemployed citizens in a country grappling with a tight job market.
Among the crowd was Evans Nyakoya, who traveled overnight from Kisii, eager to seize a job opportunity in Qatar.
However, he faced an immediate obstacle: the requirement to demonstrate his eligibility to travel outside Kenya. Unfortunately, he couldn’t meet this requirement.
“They told us to come even without a passport, but now they’re refusing,” he said, disappointment evident in his voice.
As a trained driver, he had hoped for a better paycheck than the temporary jobs he has been doing locally, but left to sort out his passport situation instead.
Inside the venue, hundreds lined up for interviews in various sectors, including hospitality, construction, and technical services.
Stanley Mburu, who came from Nakuru, was also seeking a fresh start after losing his job as a cleaner.
“I trained as a cleaner, but when I got in line, I was told they’re not hiring cleaners, so I’m trying my luck as a construction helper instead,” he explained.
For him, any job is crucial to support his family, reflecting the sentiments of many job seekers present.
Herbert Njoroge, a trained nurse, echoed this sentiment: “I am a nurse, but I will do any job.”
The unemployment crisis is pressing; statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reveal that nearly 3 million Kenyans are currently jobless, accounting for 5.7% of the population.
This figure continues to rise, with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) estimating that about one million unskilled youth enter the job market annually.
Many young individuals, particularly those aged 20 to 29, are not actively seeking employment, often due to a lack of experience and skills that do not align with available positions.
Maryanne Wamboi shared her frustrations: “Finding a job has become incredibly challenging.
They ask for 3 to 5 years of experience where are we supposed to gain that if no one hires us?”
Njoroge called on the government for action, stressing, “The government needs to address this; otherwise, the situation for Gen Z will deteriorate.”
In light of these challenges, the government is actively exploring solutions, including initiatives to facilitate labor export.
