Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua confirmed that Saudi employment agencies have pledged 293,600 job openings for Kenyan workers after discussions in Riyadh on 12 November 2026.

The commitments cover a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, construction, hospitality, transport, oil and gas, as well as heavy‑machinery operation and finance.

Specific occupations mentioned range from drivers, caregivers, teachers, nurses and doctors to chefs, waiters, housekeepers, baristas, factory workers and domestic helpers.

The meeting, attended by Kenya’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Joseph Masila and senior officials from both countries, also focused on reopening the Saudi labour market to Kenyan workers after earlier restrictions linked to an Ebola scare.

Mutua highlighted that Saudi Arabia recruits about 2.5 million new workers each year, and Kenya aims to increase its share while ensuring jobs are legitimate, fairly paid and transparent.

Both sides signed a technical annex to the 2026 bilateral agreement on domestic worker recruitment, intended to cut costs, streamline procedures and embed integrated technical systems.

A three‑month pilot on voluntary recruitment fees for domestic workers was also agreed, with Kenyan agencies invited to participate to improve competitiveness and achieve economies of scale.

Mutua said technical teams from Kenya and Saudi Arabia would finalise the new framework within a month and that the government would move quickly to implement all commitments, including training and welfare measures for workers abroad.