More than 100 Kenyan workers have left the country to begin new jobs in Qatar, Iraq, Russia, Dubai, and Serbia.
In a statement on Sunday, May 4, the Labour Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua indicated that the workers were flown abroad under the government’s Kazi Majuu program.
The group departed through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and most are expected to work in the construction sector.
Speaking before departure, the workers expressed optimism about the life-changing opportunities ahead, crediting the program with giving them a chance to uplift their families through better incomes.
“Their departure marks the beginning of a new chapter, one built on hope, determination, and months of preparation through a transparent and dignified process led by the Ministry of Labour.
“Most of these young men and women will be taking up roles in the construction sector, and they leave not just as workers, but as Kenya’s ambassadors, ready to uplift their families and seize global opportunities,” stated Mutua.
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Kenyan Workers Defend the Job Abroad
They also defended the initiative against criticism, urging those awaiting visa approvals to remain patient and have faith in the transparent and fair process.
” We are very grateful for this program and urge politicians to stop making this a political matter. We have waited for a very long time, but we are finally going abroad,” Reuben Wahome, one of the candidates, stated.
According to the group, the program is being conducted in a transparent and fair manner.
“I commend their courage, resilience, and belief in a better tomorrow. To those still awaiting deployment, I urge continued patience. More opportunities are on the way as we expand our partnerships with countries around the world,” added Mutua.
The development comes just a day after Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua affirmed the success of the initiative, stating that several batches of workers have already secured employment abroad, with many more set to follow in the coming months.
Also Read: CS Mutua Summoned as Ruto’s Kazi Majuu Turns into a Scam
CS Mutua Summoned Over Job Scams
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare summoned CS Mutua on April 28, over recruitment under the Diaspora Jobs Program, after hearing testimonies from Kenyans who said they had been promised employment in the Gulf, only to find themselves stranded, in debt and with little recourse.
The Committee recalled the recruitment drives held in December 2024 at Kabete National Polytechnic and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
At the time, hundreds of hopeful job seekers had turned up in search of life-changing opportunities abroad. However, just a few months later, those hopes had faded, giving way to disappointment and frustration.
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