The government has temporarily stopped the nationwide recruitment exercise for job seekers interested in working in foreign countries.
Labour CS Alfred Mutua said the break is to allow the government take stock of the progress made so far.
The exercise, which started on November 20 in Machakos county has so far covered six counties.
"We are going to take a small break from continuing with the recruitment process so that we can a bit of stock taking,abit of reorganisation of the processess from what we have learnt and also be able to process what we have gotten now so that people can go oversees," Mutua said.
He was speaking at the Nyandarua National Polytechnic where the recruitment exercise was conducted on Wednesday.
The exercise was to head to Kakamega county on Thursday but Mutua said this has now been suspended until the stock-taking is concluded.
He attributed this to a human resource issue saying the same agents involved in the recruitment are the same ones needed to review the process.
The review process, he said, involves ensuring successful candidates registered so far have all their documentation in order.
"So we are stopping for now for a short time so that I can hold a meeting with all the parties concerned so I can make sure that the passports are out, certificate of good conduct is out, so that I can push for that processing to be done before we resume."
The break, the CS explained, will further allow the government realign schedules following requests from some governors because current dates clash with other pre-planned events.
He said the break will also allow the team to incorporate venue suggestions from local leaders to improve the programme's efficiency.
"So I want to realign with leaders also who are doing a lot of mobilisation for us so that we go at an appropriate time with the leadership of the different counties; Members of Parliament, county assembly, governors and senators."
The exercise has so far taken place in the counties of Machakos, Kitui, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Baringo and Makueni.
Mutua said the turnout has been overwhelming and the numbers are expected to get even bigger when they resume with the view to coverig all the 47 counties.
"I'm pleased to announce that 5,931 Kenyans have secured job opportunities abroad since the launch of the government’s national recruitment exercise just ten days ago," the CS said on X.
He said Nakuru registered the highest number at 2,516 followed by Nyandarua (925), Kitui (901), Machakos (752), Baringo (640) and Makueni (410).
The CS said the initiative is testament to government's commitment to link skilled Kenyans with overseas employment opportunities to address the pressing issue of unemployment in the country,
"I want to assure all successful applicants that they will be contacted by Wednesday next week, and a new schedule for the exercise will be announced after Jamhuri Day." Mutua pointed out.
Mutua said the exercise demonstrates government's seriousness in empowering Kenyans through labour migration as the jobs offer will not only transform individual lives but also contribute significantly to boosting foreign remittances back home.
The CS urdged young Kenyans to embrace technical training in the many institutions across the country, as employers globally are seeking individuals with technical expertise.
"We are optimistic about expanding the programme to cover all 47 counties, ensuring that more Kenyans benefit from these opportunities. With clear goals and steady progress, this effort is a significant step toward addressing unemployment while strengthening Kenya’s ties with the global labour market," Mutua said.
