Many Kenyans are now turning down job offers abroad, despite the growing number of opportunities in various countries.
This reluctance is largely due to the rise in fraudulent recruitment agencies that have duped job seekers, promising overseas employment and failing to deliver.
Dr. Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, acknowledged that the past scams perpetrated by unscrupulous recruitment agencies have created fear and mistrust among Kenyans regarding the government’s overseas job placement programs.
Speaking at a recruitment event at Baringo National Polytechnic on Wednesday, October 25, Mutua assured participants of the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness in its recruitment efforts, warning that any agency involved in fraudulent activities would face legal action.
Mutua issued a public apology to those who have been victims of such scams, encouraging them to shift away from a “resist mentality” and instead embrace legitimate government initiatives designed to improve their livelihoods.
“For too long, dishonest actors in the recruitment sector have exploited our youth, costing them millions of shillings and crushing their dreams,” Mutua said.
“The government is working hard to ensure that these practices end and that opportunities for overseas employment are genuine.”
The Labour CS further emphasized the government’s dedication to streamlining the recruitment process for successful candidates but reminded job seekers of their responsibility to meet application requirements and fulfill necessary documentation steps.
He noted that some job opportunities might require candidates to cover certain costs, such as medical exams or travel expenses, and stressed that sacrifices are necessary to improve one’s circumstances.
“While some costs may fall on the applicants, such as for medical tests or airfare, the government is working to ensure that the process is as transparent as possible. To secure better opportunities, some level of personal sacrifice is inevitable,” Mutua added.
This recruitment drive is part of the government’s broader strategy to combat unemployment and restore confidence in overseas job placements.
As part of this effort, over 3,200 Kenyans were selected in the first phase of recruitment for jobs in Qatar, out of an available pool of 8,000 positions.
Despite these efforts, many Kenyans remain wary of job agencies after a series of high-profile fraud cases.
In September, Ceaser Wagicheru Kingori, a director at Vintmark Travel Agency, came under investigation for job fraud after local and international job seekers claimed to have lost nearly sh 720 million to Kingori through fake job offers.
Several individuals have come forward with complaints, including Samuel Kamando, who paid sh 150,000 for a job in Canada, and Paul Mbatia from Kiambu, who sought a refund for the same amount.
Other victims included Mary Wangari, who lost sh 150,000 from the sh 300,000 she had paid for a UK job; South African Matshediso Ndhlovu, who was defrauded of sh 130,000 for a UK caregiver position; and Congolese national Nsimire Mindinga, who lost sh 150,000 for a job in Canada.
Earlier this year, city preacher James Wanjohi and several associates faced charges of defrauding job seekers through false promises of securing travel visas and overseas employment.
Wanjohi, along with directors of Zuri Overseas Travel Agency and Amble Beginnings Consult Limited, was accused of swindling more than sh 800 million from thousands of Kenyans seeking overseas job opportunities.
Wanjohi himself was separately accused of defrauding over 4,000 people, with total losses estimated at sh 600 million.
As part of its efforts to safeguard job seekers, the government has continued to crack down on fraudulent agencies and is working to ensure that legitimate opportunities are accessible to Kenyans.
Through the ongoing recruitment drive, the government aims to provide a transparent and efficient pathway for citizens seeking employment abroad, restoring trust in overseas job placements.
Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to addressing the root causes of job fraud and creating more genuine opportunities for Kenyan workers.
Moi University Breaks Silence: Admits Mismanagement And Decline In Candid Statement
Email your news TIPS to Editor@NairobiNews.co.ke
