Kenya missed out on 5,000 job opportunities that had been allocated to the country by employers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following setbacks in the recruitment process.
HamdanGlobal, a leading HR consultancy firm responsible for sourcing workers for top-tier UAE employers, expressed disappointment over Kenya’s failure to meet the demand for workers.
According to the firm, delays in processing documentation and limited access to financing for prospective job seekers greatly affected deployment efforts.
The matter was addressed during a strategic meeting held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, between the CEO of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Josiah Moriasi, and the leadership of HamdanGlobal.
The discussions focused on strengthening Kenya’s position in the UAE labour market and addressing past challenges.
In his remarks, CEO Moriasi assured HamdanGlobal that Labour Mobility is now a priority under the Kenyan government’s flagship initiatives.
Concerns as Kenya Loses 5,000 Allocated Jobs in UAE
He outlined new measures aimed at improving recruitment efficiency, including streamlined documentation processes, increased resource allocation, enhanced support for jobseekers, and stronger collaboration between public and private sectors.
Encouraged by Kenya’s renewed commitment, HamdanGlobal pledged to significantly increase job opportunities for Kenyan youth, with plans to allocate between 10,000 to 15,000 placements in upcoming recruitment cycles.
Also Read: MPs Poke Holes in Ruto and UAE Historic Deal
According to the Youth Fund Kenya, this development offers hope for thousands of Kenyan job seekers seeking employment abroad and marks a strategic step toward expanding the country’s labour market footprint in the Gulf region.
In 2018, Kenya and the UAE signed an agreement to improve labor matters and protect domestic workers. This agreement aims to regulate the flow of workers between the two countries.
Currently, about 30,000 Kenyans work in the UAE in fields like hospitality, security, transport, ICT, aviation, and education.
About Youth Enterprise Development Fund
During the 4th Kenya–UAE Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) meeting, held from August 11 to 14, 2024, officials recognized that the UAE needs skilled workers.
They discussed how to address problems such as the lack of mutual recognition of qualifications, which has made it harder for Kenyan workers to access high-skilled jobs.
Also Read: CS Forced to Clarify After Angry Youth Claim Govt Duped Them for UAE Jobs
The Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) is a state corporation in Kenya established to support youth-owned enterprises.
It was created in 2006 under the Public Financial Management Act and later transformed into a state corporation in 2007.
It supports youth-owned businesses by providing loans, market support, business development services, and job placements.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
