Labour Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua is on the spot after a report presented to the Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers 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.
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.
“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.
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.
Changing Recruitment Approach
The Committee urged NEA to reconsider its approach to mobilisation and recruitment.
“There is no need to mobilise an entire county when only ten slots are available. If the opportunities are limited, say so clearly. You need to rethink your recruitment strategy,” Haika said.
The Committee said it will schedule a joint meeting with the Ministry of Labour and the National Employment Authority to discuss a way forward to address the concerns raised.
Mutua Appears Before Senate Committee
On May 7, Mutua appeared before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to defend his ministry’s handling of overseas job recruitment.
The Committee, chaired by West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor, was investigating allegations that some youths have been conned out of millions of shillings in pursuit of fake promises of jobs abroad.
It was established that 41,102 Kenyans had reportedly secured employment opportunities in foreign countries since February 2024.
Also Read: CS Mutua Apologises as Youth Lose Millions During Recruitment Drive
Questions Over Kazi Majuu
However, the figures were met with scepticism by lawmakers who questioned the integrity of the process, transparency in job allocation and the treatment of workers once deployed.
At the centre of the deliberations was a Ksh55,000 fee imposed on successful candidates following Ministry-led recruitment drives.
Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku Ole Kanar pressed for a full breakdown of the charge, demanding clarity on medical screening costs and the budgetary allocation tied to the programme.
Also Read: CS Mutua Summoned as Ruto’s Kazi Majuu Turns into a Scam
Further, Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni questioned why the Ministry and commercial recruitment agencies opted to send candidates for medical screening to private facilities instead of government institutions, which would be more affordable.
Mutua clarified that the medical facilities were selected by host countries after conducting due diligence.
He also defended the figure, stating it covered medical tests and processing costs, and assured the committee that refunds were available for candidates who opted out, minus medical expenses already incurred.
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