The government of Kenya has started exporting workers to Russia, who will work in a food packing factory, earning a monthly take-home salary of Ksh115,000.
As of June 25, the cabinet secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua, confirmed that the first batch of 50 Kenyans had left the country for Russia.
The labour export initiative drew Kenyans from different counties, whose accommodation and food will be freely provided by their employer.
“I met and saw off the first batch of 50 Kenyans who have obtained employment in Russia,” Alfred Mutua confirmed.
Kenyan workers’ salary in Russia
“They will be earning a take-home salary of Ksh. 115,000 a month, with free accommodation and food provided, and will be working in a food packing factory,” he added.
The workers expressed relief and gratitude, having stayed at home without income for an extended period.
They termed the opportunity as a fresh start and thanked the government for facilitating the process.
The group travelled at no personal cost. According to Mutua, the Uwezo Fund covered their air tickets and service fees.
Uwezo fund Kenya to be refunded
“Once they start work, they will slowly refund the government loan over a short period so that others can benefit from the funds,” he said.
Mutua urged the workers to save their earnings in Kenya to secure their financial futures. He emphasised the need for prudent financial planning as they begin their new jobs abroad.
Upon arrival in Moscow, the workers were received by officials from the Kenyan Embassy. They are expected to be hosted by Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia, Peter Mathuki.
The workers also expressed appreciation to the recruitment agency YUMNA for its ethical handling of the hiring process. Many of them described the chance to work abroad as life changing.
Kazi majuu favouritsm exposed
Mutua has been under fire after a report presented to the Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers on June 20, 2025, revealed that out of Kenya’s 47 counties, only three, Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui, have so far benefited from overseas jobs placement dubbed Kazi Majuu.
The Committee, chaired by Taita‑Taveta Women Representative Lydia Haika, questioned the Director General of the National Employment Authority (NEA), Edith Okoki, about the apparent regional imbalance in the selection of candidates for international employment.
Also Read: How to Navigate Kazi Majuu Job Search for Unemployed
In her response, Okoki clarified that the recruitment was handled solely by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and the Authority was not involved in the selection process.
Labour committee reactions
“The Authority is unable to explain the criteria used for selecting candidates who travelled abroad, as we did not participate in the recruitment,” she said.
Members of the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the recruitment process and resolved to invite the CS Mutua for further clarification.
Also Read: Kazi Majuu Under Fire for Favouring Kenyans from 3 Counties
The Committee also sought updates on applicants who had used NEA’s online platform.
Okoki confirmed that none of the individuals who secured overseas jobs had been selected through the online system.
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