•Bore said the talks had taken place between the two governments hence no need for Kenyans to be skeptical in taking up the chances available
•She said the government is dealing with known recruitment agencies to ensure the welfare of the nurses who get the jobs are well taken care of of
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The Ministry of Labour has decried low applications for nursing jobs in Saudi Arabia weeks after the vacancies were declared by the government.
Labour CS Florence Bore on Thursday said despite the government placing an advertisement for 2,500 jobs for nurses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, only 1,000 applications had been received.
Out of the 1,000 were applications from male nurses despite the vacancies requiring females, which means 2,000 slots are still open.
The CS has expressed concern over the low number of applications despite the requirement that the cohort of 2,500 nurses be sent to Saudi Arabia by the end of February.
"Many Kenyans are aware of the job openings, I think the problem might be that they are hesitant when they hear it is Saudia," Bore said.
"I want to tell them that we as the government will take care of them and protect them. I want to tell them that they are not alone, we are with them."
Bore said the talks had taken place between the two governments hence no need for Kenyans to be skeptical in taking up the chances available.
She said the government is dealing with known recruitment agencies to ensure the welfare of the nurses who get the jobs is well taken care of.
Early January, the Ministry of Labour invited applicants to apply for 2, 500 open jobs in the health sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Those required to fill the vacancies are general nurses, personal assistants and healthcare assistant professionals.
In mid-January, the Ministry of Health announced that the government had settled on Fast Reliable Enterprises and Nasmama Services Limited to oversee the recruitment of nurses to Saudi Arabia.
The ministry said the two were selected after a thorough and competitive evaluation.
The two will manage the recruitment of 2,500 nurses from different cadres to enhance health services in Saudi Arabia.
This is after Abdal Human Resources Company in Riyadh, the designated recruitment agency in Saudi Arabia sent an order to the government of Kenya.
To that effect, those interested were directed to submit a complete CV, detailing age, weight and height, a valid nursing council license certificate and additional certifications for any medical training undertaken.
They are also required to submit a complete record of their educational background, including verified copies of diploma certificates and/or nursing degrees.
Interested female applicants are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree, diploma or certificate in nursing, a valid police clearance certificate and be aged between 22-35 years.
Degree holders must possess a minimum of two years of continuous service while those with diplomas should be fresh graduates with no experience.