Kenyans are now turning down job offers abroad, even though many countries are offering opportunities.
Many job seekers have fallen victim to fraudulent recruitment agencies promising jobs abroad.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua has acknowledged that past incidents of job seekers being conned by rogue recruitment agencies have contributed to hesitancy among some Kenyans regarding the government’s aggressive overseas job placement initiatives.
Speaking at Baringo National Polytechnic during a recruitment exercise, Mutua reassured participants of the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency, warning that any agency engaging in fraudulent practices would face the full force of the law.
Mutua Apologizes
Mutua, on Wednesday, October 25 issued a public apology to youth who may have fallen victim to such scams, urged them to shift from a “resist mentality” and embrace government programs designed to improve their lives.
“For too long, unscrupulous elements in the recruitment sector have preyed on our youth, costing them millions of shillings and dashing their dreams,” said Mutua.
Also Read: CS Mutua Apologises as Youth Lose Millions During Recruitment Drive
The CS while at Baringo emphasized the government’s dedication to expediting the documentation process for successful candidates but reminded job seekers of their responsibility to complete necessary applications and meet job requirements.
“Some opportunities may require applicants to cover costs such as medical examinations and air tickets. To improve one’s circumstances, sacrifices must be made,” Mutua noted.
The government is currently carrying out a nationwide recruitment program targeting Kenyans interested in overseas employment.
“This recruitment drive, part of the government’s broader strategy to address unemployment, marks a significant step in restoring confidence in overseas job placements and ensuring fair opportunities for Kenyan youth,” CS Mutua said.
In the first phase of the Qatar recruitment, 3,247 Kenyans were selected out of 8,000 available positions.
Agencies Conning Kenyans
In September this year, Ceaser Wagicheru Kingori, a job recruiter and Director of Vintmark Travel Agency, was under investigation for job fraud.
At the centre of the complaints was approximately Ksh 720 million that local and foreign job seekers claim to have lost to Kingori through dubious job connections.
As reported by the Nation, several complainants came forward, including Samuel Kamando, who claimed to have paid Ksh150,000 for a job in Canada, and Paul Mbatia from Kiambu, who sought a refund of the same amount.
Also Read: Alfred Mutua Announces Nationwide Recruitment for Kenyans Seeking Jobs Abroad
Others included Mary Wangari, who lost Ksh150,000 out of the Ksh300,000 she was to pay for a job in the UK; South African Matshediso Ndhlovu, claiming Ksh130,000 for a caregiver job in the UK; and Congolese national Nsimire Mindinga, who sought Ksh150,000 for a job in Canada.
In April, flashy city preacher James Wanjohi and three others faced accusations of fraudulently obtaining money by deceiving job seekers with promises of securing travel visas and jobs abroad. Among those implicated were directors of Zuri Overseas Travel Agency and Amble Beginnings Consult Limited.
The accused allegedly swindled over Ksh800 million from Kenyans eager for overseas opportunities. Wanjohi, the founder of Worth Start Travel Agency, was separately accused of defrauding over 4,000 Kenyans, with the total amount reaching Ksh600 million.
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