The government has announced 2,500 nursing and healthcare job opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection's Principal Secretary, Shadrack Mwadime, urged qualified Kenyans to apply for the opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

"The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection requests applications from qualified Kenyans for employment in the KSA as General Nurses and Personal Assistant/Health Care Assistant professionals," Mwadime announced.

Mwadime said opportunities not only promise a chance for Kenyan healthcare professionals to broaden their horizons but also signify a strong collaboration between the Kenyan and Saudi Arabian governments.

Successful applicants are promised a competitive compensation package based on their academic qualifications and experience.

The monthly salaries for 8-hour shifts range from Ksh92,000 to Ksh147,000.

Degree holders can anticipate a minimum monthly salary of 3,500.00 SAR (approximately Ksh147,000), while Diploma holders will receive at least 3,000.00 SAR (around Ksh126,000).

On the other hand, certificate holders are guaranteed a minimum monthly income of 2,200.00 SAR (about Ksh92,000).

To be eligible for the recruitment, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being Kenyan citizens, holding a Bachelor of Science Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Nursing, and being registered and licensed members of the Nursing Council of Kenya in good standing.

A valid Police Clearance Certificate is also required.

Degree-holding nurses must have a minimum of 2 years of continuous work experience, while fresh graduates with a Diploma qualification are welcome to apply with no prior experience.

Nurses holding certificates are required to have a minimum of one year of continuous work experience. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is a prerequisite, along with being medically fit and holding a valid Kenyan passport.

Additionally, applicants must provide a Dataflow verification report for their education certificate and Nursing Council License or the latest employment certificate.

Valid Prometric Results are also necessary, and if not already obtained, candidates can take the test either in Kenya or the KSA, with the test cost to be deducted from the employee's salary in three instalments.