Editor's Review

The president said there were over 400,000 jobs abroad to be taken up by Kenyans.

The Kenyan youth seeking jobs overseas will now have their passport applications fast-tracked and their flights paid for by the government and employment agencies, President William Ruto has promised. 

Addressing a roadside rally attendees in Taita Taveta on Sunday, July 28, Ruto said the government had identified over 400,000 jobs available abroad.

The opportunities were in the State Department of Labour's online directory.

He, therefore, tasked the Members of Parliament with identifying the youth and helping them through the application processes.

Ruto said the government would ensure the prospective applicants' passports were processed within a week, and their flight costs fully sponsored on urgency.

"I want the MPs to listen to me, I have done my part by seeking jobs abroad. I have planned that anyone seeking to go out for employment is given their passport within one week, and they will not incur the costs for the flight. The company they are going to work for will sponsor the flights," said Ruto.

President William Ruto at a Coast-based TVET college.

The Ministry of Labour would oversee the process until the youths are flown to take up the jobs.

He noted over 1,000 Kenyans leave the country every week for the greener pastures overseas.

This came a day after the president revisited his promise to supply stable internet across all the wards in Kenya.

Speaking in Kilifi, Ruto noted that the internet had opportunities for young Kenyans equipped with digital skills to leverage and make a living.

He said each technical college and hub across the country will be the internet spots.

Ruto revealed the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) was contracted to undertake the connectivity.