Nyeri: Hundreds of youth turned up at the Nyeri National Polytechnic on Monday to try their luck in securing employment opportunities in the construction industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to Kenya News Agency, the vacancies were announced on Monday last week by the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria. In a letter addressed to the Polytechnic's principal, Dr. Muoria asked the institution to host the recruitment event and encourage youth from the surrounding community to participate.
The local recruitment entity for the exercise is Bluewave International Services Limited, an accredited private agency registered under the National Employment Authority (NEA). The agency was contracted by Right Force Manpower Services L.L.C. of the United Arab Emirates, which is seeking to hire a total of 5,000 people to work as steel fixers, masons, carpenters, civil helpers, scaffolders, waterproofing technicians, electricians, plumbers, and AC duct men.
Speaking to KNA on the sidelines of the recruitment exercise, Managing Director of Bluewave International, Amos Mbugua, stated that the recruitment will focus on candidates' knowledge of the construction industry. Mbugua noted that the age limit is set between 22-25 years, and candidates are expected to be medically fit and possess all required professional certifications, including a clearance from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Mbugua explained, 'The assessment is very easy. We are not checking so much on the academic papers; we are keen on the technical capability of the recruits.'
Following the Central region recruitment, Mbugua mentioned plans to move to the Rift Valley region for a similar exercise. Successful candidates will work in any of the six emirates of the UAE on a two-year renewable contract, with entitlements including free transport, a food allowance, medical cover, and one day off each week. Salaries will range from 900 UAD (equivalent to Sh 35,000) to 1,500 UAD (or Sh 52,000).
For those unable to afford air tickets, arrangements are being made for funds from the Youth Enterprise Fund, allowing candidates to repay the money once settled in the UAE. Successful candidates will receive their letters and have a few days to process travel requirements before departure.
Kelvin Muchoki, a 22-year-old participant, expressed optimism about securing a job opportunity and encouraged his peers to seize such opportunities. Purity Wanjiku, a Civil Engineering graduate from Nyandarua County, echoed these sentiments. Despite challenges in securing employment domestically, Wanjiku remains hopeful of being selected for work in the UAE, stating, 'Getting a job in Kenya is very hard at the moment, and that is why I came out today to try my luck. I am looking forward to any job opportunity that will allow me to gain work experience in my area of training.'