State picks local agents to recruit 2,500 nurses to Saudi Arabia

Two local employment agencies have been selected to oversee the recruitment of 2,500 skilled nurses bound for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry of Health said, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, it had identified Fast Reliable Enterprises and Nasmama Services.

Fast Reliable says on its website that it is based in South C, Nairobi. It has a Facebook page with 199 likes created in 2019.

It appears to have been recruiting workers mainly to the Middle East.

Nasmama is located on Moktar Daddah Street in Nairobi.

The two are listed on the National Employment Authority Integrated Management System.

“Fast Reliable Enterprises and Nasmama Services Ltd have been selected based on their outstanding track record, capacity to ensure appropriate matching of skills with requirement and commitment to expediting the selection and deployment process,” Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said in a statement on Friday.

She said 2,500 nurses will be recruited for different cadres.

She urged applicants to engage directly with the nominated agencies.

Muthoni said applicants are required to provide comprehensive documentation, including a detailed CV with information on age, weight and height, a verified record of educational background, a valid Nursing Council of Kenya licence certificate, and evidence of work experience post-licensing exams.

Additional certifications for medical training, such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Neonatal Resuscitation Programme (NRP) and records of attended symposiums, are necessary.

A copy of the applicant's passport, if available, should be included.

“These stringent requirements aim to align the selection process with the healthcare standards and requirements of Saudi Arabia, ensuring the deployment of highly qualified professionals,” she said.

“The initiative underscores the global recognition of the Kenyan healthcare workforce and serves as a testament to the strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.”

Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime said in a statement nurses who hold degrees, diplomas and certificates are qualified to apply for the positions. 

The applicants must be Kenyan citizens, hold a valid passport and must be female. 

Additionally, the applicants must have a valid police clearance certificate and be registered and licensed members of the Nursing Council of Kenya and in good standing. 

The applicants should be aged between 22 and 35 years.

For degree holders, the ministry said recently they will earn a minimum of SAR3,396 per month (Sh146,716), while diploma holders will get a minimum of SAR3,000 (Sh125,757). 

For certificate holders, they will earn a minimum of SAR2,200 (Sh92,221). 

Other benefits include a roundtrip air ticket, eight working hours and overtime in accordance with Saudi Arabian labour laws. 

"Successful candidates will have a two-year renewable contract," the Ministry of Labour said recently.

The WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel discourages hiring of health workers from developing countries. Although voluntary, it acts as a safeguard to stop rich countries poaching from poorer countries with staff shortages.

Last year, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha said once Kenya fulfils all the requirements of this code, more nurses would be sent to the UK, Saudi Arabia and Germany.

She said the country is producing excess nurses and there won't be a shortage in Kenya.

“The capacity to send skilled nurses abroad reflects the strength of our own healthcare workforce. Thus, we have worked tirelessly to invest in training, education and career development for our nurses at home, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals for the future,” Nakhumicha said.