Labour Ministry has unveiled a rare chance for boda boda riders to take their skills global, announcing new job opportunities in Dubai that could see successful applicants earning up to KSh 88,000 per month.

The announcement was made by Labour  Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Alfred Mutua through his official X handle, where he encouraged Kenyan riders to seize the opportunity to expand their horizons beyond the country’s roads.

Job Details and Requirements

The Dubai-based recruitment drive is targeting male riders aged between 21 and 38 years, with requirements including practical motorbike riding skills, a good command of English, and the ability to use Google Maps for navigation.

Interviews are scheduled to take place between Thursday, September 11 and Saturday, September 13 at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in Athi River.

Successful candidates stand to benefit from two attractive packages: a fixed monthly salary of AED 2,100 – AED 2,500 (approximately Ksh74,000 – 88,000), or a performance-based pay of AED 7.5 per delivery completed.

The package is applicable once riders obtain a UAE driving license and officially report for duty.

“Come with confidence, demonstrate your riding skills, and seize this opportunity to work in Dubai,” read part of the statement.

Mixed Reactions From Kenyans

But while the offer has excited many job seekers, it has also sparked criticism. One user commented on X: “A whole Cabinet Minister, and your ‘big job creation plan’ is exporting Kenyan youth as boda riders to Dubai? Shame isn’t enough.”

The government has in recent months been pushing for labour migration partnerships to ease unemployment pressures at home. If successful, the Dubai riders’ program could open the door for similar opportunities in other sectors.

Still, the mixed reactions highlight the tension between the lure of better pay abroad and the demand for more sustainable job creation locally.

A photo of Labor CS Dr. Alfred Mutual in previous conference. PHOTO/Mutua X.