- The Opposition leader had accused Ruto of exporting young people's skills and knowledge.
- Raila said that the government is seeking farm jobs abroad instead of securing better job opportunities in the country.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has told off opposition leader Raila Odinga after he criticised the move to seek job opportunities abroad.
The Opposition leader had accused Ruto of exporting young people's skills and knowledge.
While speaking on Friday during the launch of the construction of the 12.5-kilometre Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail line, Ruto said that he will create opportunities everywhere.
"Niliskia mtu wa upinzani ananalalamika juzi anasema huyu Ruto amepelaka watu wengi sana Ng'ambo sasa wewe ulikuwa unafikiri mimi nitapanga kazi wapi si mimi napanga kazi hii ya Kenya na ya kule Marekani. Hio ndio kazi yangu," he said.
(I heard Raila complaining that I am taking too many people abroad, where did he think I would get all the jobs from? I had said that we were going to create opportunities everywhere. We are creating opportunities both locally and internationally).
Speaking at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) on December 8, Raila said the government has failed to secure jobs for Kenyans locally.
"Young people with new skills and knowledge that we need are being exported as the government cannot create jobs yet the government sees it as an achievement. It is the responsibility of the government to create jobs in the country not to look for jobs outside," Raila said.
"We have a whole President going out there looking for jobs for Kenyans, something is wrong. Today our people are scrambling to leave the country."
Raila said that the government is seeking farm jobs abroad instead of securing better job opportunities in the country.
The Opposition boss questioned the economic impact of Kenyans seeking jobs abroad.
"Our children are struggling to get farm jobs in Israel, to be house helps in Saudi Arabia and security personnel in Qatar,” he said.
However, the President has continuously exuded confidence in seeking international jobs for Kenyans.
Ruto, on Friday, said that Kenya will soon send the first batch of skilled workers to Saudi Arabia.
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.
"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.
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.
He noted that the Ministry of Labour will soon announce the opportunities.