CS Mutua clarifies overseas employment issues

The Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, has strongly rejected accusations that the government defrauded Kenyans through a non-existent foreign job programme.

Addressing the Senate Labour Committee on Tuesday, Mutua clarified that the delays in overseas job placements were due to administrative and logistical challenges rather than fraud, as some Kenyans had alleged.

Mutua’s appearance followed serious concerns raised by job seekers who claimed they were scammed, losing amounts ranging from Sh15,000 to Sh55,000 to individuals allegedly posing as officials of the ministry or licensed recruitment agencies.

Some of the victims recounted how they were promised jobs abroad, only to be left stranded after paying for travel and processing expenses.

One heart-wrenching testimony came from Godfrey Githae, a carpenter from Nyeri, who explained how he borrowed money from his family to secure a job in Iraq, only for the job offer to disappear.

"I was told the visa was being processed, but I’ve received nothing. I’ve travelled to Nairobi eight times this year for follow-ups, each trip costing me Sh1,200," Githae said, moving the committee to tears.

Despite these disturbing reports, Mutua reassured the Senate that the foreign job programme is still active, with thousands of Kenyans being deployed overseas.

He acknowledged that the placement process has not been perfect, admitting to various setbacks that have caused delays.

These issues include challenges such as insufficient funds for travel document processing, medical test failures, and some candidates changing their minds midway. However, he emphasized that these logistical hurdles do not equate to fraud.

"The deployment of migrant workers involves several stages, including registration, mandatory medical examinations, and coordination with foreign employers and agencies, which may result in delays," Mutua explained.

He assured the Senate that all deployments are being carried out in full compliance with legal and ethical standards.

In addition to the logistical issues, the CS also addressed concerns over the merit of the jobs being offered, particularly in Qatar.

He explained that the jobs were part of a long-term agreement, with employment being provided at different stages, and that some Kenyans had already travelled for the placements.

The CS added that those who were not interested in the available jobs were refunded their money, excluding medical fees.

"We told them, when the job offer comes, you will be able to travel for the job or wait for the job offer," Mutua said, referring to the applicants.

He further explained that some of the job offers did not initially meet the expected salary standards, which led to renegotiations with employers to ensure that Kenyans would be paid fairly.

"The salary needs to be a bit higher. You are leaving your family here, your environment, so the salary should be higher. It took time because they went and renegotiated for a raise in salary," Mutua added.

As a result, many Kenyans were successfully deployed after the terms were revised.

Although many of the applicants for overseas jobs have had to wait longer than expected, Mutua emphasized that the programme is not a scam. Instead, it is being hindered by unavoidable delays that are being addressed.

The ministry remains committed to ensuring that successful candidates are given proper placements and that transparency remains a key feature of the programme.

"Some candidates have already been deployed, while others are still in the process. We are finalizing the pending cases and will make the list of successful candidates public," Mutua assured the Senate.

The CS also responded to concerns about the quality of jobs being offered.

He revealed that jobs offered in the past, particularly in Qatar, were reviewed carefully, with several candidates being sent to alternative jobs when issues arose with the initial offers.

He insisted that the government is working to ensure that all job placements meet international standards and provide fair compensation for Kenyan workers abroad.

As the programme continues, Mutua promised to keep improving the system, addressing the concerns raised, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the process.

He also pledged that any fraudulent activities identified would be dealt with swiftly, assuring the Senate and Kenyans that the government is fully committed to the welfare of its citizens working abroad.