President William Ruto now says that Kenya will soon send the first batch of skilled workers to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on Friday, Ruto said this is following the conclusion of critical agreements with the Saudi government.
He said the Saudi Arabian government has this week asked for the first 2,500 skilled workers, who will be sent to the gulf country to work.
He also explained that previously, only domestic workers travelled to Saudi for work, but the deal between the two countries now allows skilled workers.
The President added that the jobs come with competitive salaries.
"Yesterday, we agreed with Saudi Arabia that our Nurses, and skilled workers can now work in Saudi Arabia. Previously it was domestic workers but now we can export skilled labour and they have given us the first 2,500 opportunities this week.
"I'm now looking for people who will work in Saudi and the salary is almost Sh200,000," Ruto said during the launch of the construction of the Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail line, Ngong, Kajiado County.
He noted that the Ministry of Labour will soon announce the opportunities.
President Ruto insisted that he intends to connect all Kenyans to opportunities locally and abroad.
"The Ministry of Labour will announce. I intend to connect Kenyans to opportunities to work in Kenya and opportunities to work globally."
In November, Ruto, in his quest to solve unemployment said the country was looking into sending at least 5,000 Kenyans weekly to work internationally.
The head of state said, together with Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore, the country will sign a bilateral labour agreement to export Kenyans to work abroad.
"We want to send 3,000 or 5,000 Kenyans abroad weekly. This way, they'll be able to send money home, be able to depend on themselves and also contribute towards the betterment of the country," Ruto said.
Ruto added that with the trips he is making, he has been able to work around and discuss how Kenyans can benefit and work abroad.
"When I go for foreign trips, I don't go for tourism but for the benefit of Kenyans, as that is why I was elected," he noted.
"I was in Saudi Arabia last week for matters Kenya's development, Germany's president was here some three months ago and promised up to 200,000 job opportunities for Kenyans, and so did the president of France, I must follow up on those opportunities."
