Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua now says Kenyan graduates have a bigger opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement he released after meeting his Saudi Arabia counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud, Mutua said gulf countries have great potential and are a major market for workers especially trained ones.
"We have requested an increase of quotas to allow trained Kenyans in all fields to get jobs in Saudi Arabia.
"Our University and other tertiary-level graduates now have an even bigger opportunity to get jobs here and in the larger Middle East.
"We have also requested a review upwards on the packages and salaries offered to Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia," he said.
Mutua on Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia
He stated that there are many Kenyans are working in Saudi Arabia more so in the formal sectors and are doing well and have no issues.
"Saudi Arabia has great potential and is a major market for our workers especially trained ones. Kenyans who already working in this country more so in the formal sectors are doing extremely well and have no issues.
"They are minting money. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to get more Kenyans employed in their country and we will play our part as a Government to ensure that more Kenyans can work and earn well while working in Saudi Arabia," CS Mutua said.
The CS said he has also introduced a hotline number for those who are in distress to call.
"We have dedicated an emergency hotline for Kenyans in Saudi Arabia to call when facing any difficulties. The emergency hotline number at the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh is +966500755060.
"On receiving a call, we will take prompt action, including but not limited to engaging the Saudi Government for their assistance: the idea is to ensure every Kenyan works and lives a fulfilling life," he added.
