During a retreat with President William Ruto in Naivasha, Kenya Kwanza MPs shocked the president by revealing their lack of awareness regarding job opportunities negotiated by the government abroad. The lawmakers expressed that nobody had informed them about available overseas job opportunities. President Ruto, surprised by their response, questioned their seriousness in securing employment opportunities for their constituents if they were not aware of the government’s labor export deals.

Ruto highlighted that the government had advertised 2,500 nursing jobs, but the MPs claimed they were unaware of such opportunities. The president reminded them that the job openings were published in newspapers, and he had discussed them during various meetings. He expressed disappointment in the MPs for focusing on job opportunities for their friends who lost in the last elections, neglecting the needs of the unemployed youth.

Addressing the MPs, Ruto emphasized the importance of being proactive with information and urged them to help the millions of young people seeking employment. He called for a collective effort to change the employment landscape in Kenya and encouraged MPs to connect their constituents with available job opportunities. The president revealed plans to set up an information center with the National Employment Authority to facilitate better communication with MPs.

Despite ongoing negotiations for a labor deal with Germany, the MPs were shocked to learn that only 500 nurses had applied out of the targeted 2,500. President Ruto urged them to take initiative and bring forth names of potential candidates, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to address unemployment in the country. He assured the MPs that efforts were underway to establish a bureaucracy at NITA to support them in obtaining relevant information and connecting constituents with job opportunities.

Ruto disclosed that negotiations with the government of Germany were at an advanced stage, with the potential to secure jobs for 250,000 workers from Kenya. The deal was expected to be finalized and signed in June, presenting a significant opportunity for employment for Kenyan citizens.