DP World, a multinational logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates, has begun a collaboration with the Mombasa County Assembly to train and employ 400 young people from the coastal Kenyan city.

The government-owned Kenya News Agency says the successful applicants, including 100 forklift operators and 300 truck drivers, will work for DP World at various ports across the Middle East. 

The positions offer a chance for those involved to gain international experience and contribute to the growth of the maritime sector.

Mombasa County Assembly speaker Aharub Khatri, who announced the initiative, says it aims to address the problem of unemployment and empower the youth of Mombasa.

“It will complement the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection’s nationwide recruitment drives for international jobs,” says Khatri.

According to Kenya News Agency, DP World initially wanted 200 drivers and 50 forklift operators but with the large numbers that applied for the jobs, the speaker successfully persuaded the management to increase the intake numbers.

Calling on other organisations to follow the lead of DP World, Khatri says efforts like this create job opportunities and equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the job market.

“The Mombasa County Assembly remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people and contribute to the overall development of the region,” adds Khatri.