Kenya, UAE Deepen Labour Ties to Boost Job Opportunities for Kenyans
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has announced renewed efforts to expand employment opportunities for Kenyans in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following a high-level meeting between Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred N. Mutua and the UAE Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Dr. Salim Ibrahim Alnaqbi, held on July 31, 2025, in Nairobi.
The courtesy call builds on the outcomes of the 4th Joint Commission for Cooperation held virtually in August 2024, where both nations committed to strengthening bilateral labour ties. Key among the resolutions is the reinforcement of the 2018 Labour Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable greater Kenyan participation in UAE’s labour market, especially in high-demand sectors like aviation, hospitality, health, and professional services.
The two parties agreed to enhance transparency and ethical practices in the recruitment process through improved information sharing on labour laws and job market trends. They also committed to expanding job categories beyond domestic work, aligning with Kenya’s upskilling agenda to secure professional roles for its workforce abroad. Regular engagement forums between UAE employers and licensed Kenyan recruitment agencies will also be held to match job opportunities with qualified Kenyan talent.
Further discussions explored youth empowerment initiatives, including joint programs for skills development, cultural exchange, and the introduction of inclusive participation platforms like Youth Circles. Cooperation in education was also on the agenda, with plans to renew the 2010 MoU on higher education, explore agreements in general education, and develop mutual recognition of professional certifications.
In his address, Dr. Mutua emphasized that the initiative goes beyond labour export it is about transforming lives and advancing Kenya’s socio-economic goals. “These engagements will ensure more Kenyans access quality jobs abroad while being protected and recognized for their skills. This is how we uplift households and build a prosperous, empowered nation,” he said.
To operationalize these efforts, the Ministry is working with its UAE counterpart to finalize implementation mechanisms, including digital recruitment systems, licensing protocols, and a UAE-Kenya labour liaison office.
Kenyans seeking overseas jobs are urged to verify recruitment agencies through the National Employment Authority (NEA) website and to report any suspicious practices via the toll-free line 0800 221 111. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, dignified, and fair labour mobility for all citizens.
