NAIROBI, Kenya- Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua is on a mission to rebuild trust in overseas job placements, acknowledging the shadow cast by rogue recruitment agencies in the past.
Speaking at Baringo National Polytechnic during a government-led recruitment drive, Mutua reassured job seekers of the government’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Past scams involving dishonest recruitment agencies have left many Kenyans wary of overseas job offers. Dr. Mutua candidly addressed this skepticism, admitting that the fraudulent practices of some agencies had undermined confidence in the system.
To counter this, Mutua reaffirmed that the government is cracking down on deceitful agents, pledging legal action against any organization found engaging in fraudulent activities.
His message was clear: “If you exploit job seekers, we will hold you accountable.”
This drive for transparency aligns with the government’s broader effort to ensure ethical recruitment practices while rebuilding trust in the international job market.
During the Baringo recruitment exercise, job seekers were interviewed online by overseas employers, with many securing positions on the spot.
This process, facilitated by the Ministry of Labour and the National Employment Authority (NEA), aimed to demonstrate the government’s focus on transparency.
Mutua emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in the process, reminding job seekers to ensure their documentation is in order and to meet specific job requirements.
He also noted that while some costs—such as medical examinations and airfare—may need to be covered by applicants, these sacrifices often lead to long-term rewards.
“Improving one’s circumstances requires commitment and sometimes sacrifice,” Mutua said, urging youth to embrace the opportunities presented.
The recruitment drive in Baringo is part of the government’s strategy to address unemployment, with a focus on restoring faith in overseas job placements.
Mutua was joined by Baringo County Commissioner Solomon Kutwa, NEA Director General Edith Okoki, and representatives from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
Their presence underscored the government’s dedication to ensuring fair employment practices while expanding access to global job opportunities for Kenyan youth.
By fostering a transparent recruitment process and addressing past wrongs, the government hopes to instill a sense of optimism and participation among job seekers.
