The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, led by CS Alfred Mutua, is under pressure to refund Ksh15,000 to each of the job seekers who were promised diaspora jobs that never materialised.
This follows revelations that at least 95 applicants from Bobasi Constituency, Kisii County, who paid medical fees under a government-led programme, were left stranded and frustrated.
A list of 57 drivers and 38 manual labourers made Ksh15,000 payments each.
In a letter addressed to the Director General of the National Employment Authority (NEA) by Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, the victims are demanding a full refund of the fees they paid while seeking employment opportunities abroad.
The programme, which started in August 2024, was a partnership between Senator Orwoba’s office and the National Employment Authority (NEA).
Senator Orwoba cited serious concerns, including a lack of transparency, inadequate communication, and uncertainty around travel arrangements.
95 Jobseekers Demand Ksh15K Refund from Labour Ministry
She stated that while the Director General of NEA had assured her office that over 300 jobs—including positions for drivers, housekeepers, and manual labourers—had been secured, it had since emerged that these jobs do not exist.
“Despite multiple efforts to seek clarification, there has been a persistent lack of correspondence addressing fundamental issues such as medical tests, contracts, and travel visas,” Orwoba said in the letter.
“The failure to provide a clear timeline or assurance regarding travel dates has resulted in significant inconvenience to the shortlisted individuals who have dedicated their time and resources towards this program.”
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Orwoba revealed that payments were made directly through two paybill numbers linked to NEA agents: Monisa Company Ltd (Paybill 247247, Account 845577) and Global Face Human Resources Ltd (Paybill 880100, Account 9095770018).
“It is quite unfortunate that a government-led initiative is being conducted unprofessionally and in a manner that disadvantages Kenyans,” Orwoba added, demanding that refunds be processed directly to the phone numbers used to make the payments.
Senate Labour Committee Summons Victims
Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has summoned victims of rogue diaspora job agencies to appear before it on Monday, April 28, 2025.
This follows a meeting held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, where the Committee reviewed a statement by Senator Gloria Orwoba regarding the fate of candidates who had been shortlisted for the diaspora jobs programme under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
Also Read: Step-by-Step: How to Check If an Overseas Employment Agency is Legal in Kenya
The affected job seekers are to share their experiences and submit any supporting documents.
“At its meeting held on Thursday, 17th April 2025, the Committee considered a Statement by Sen. Gloria Orwoba, MP regarding the fate of candidates shortlisted for the diaspora jobs programme under the Ministry of Labour & Social Protection and resolved to invite the affected victims to a meeting of the Committee,” read the letter for the Senate’s clerk
“In this regard, the Committee invites you to appear before the Committee on Monday, 28th April 2025 at the First Floor, Mini Chamber, County Hall, County Hall Building at 11:00 a.m. to share your experience and submit any relevant documentation or evidence that may assist the Committee in its deliberations.”
The Committee is mandated to consider all matters related to manpower and human resources planning, pension, gender, culture and social welfare, youth, National Youth Service, children’s welfare, national heritage, betting, lotteries and sports, public entertainment, public amenities and recreation.
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