Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has issued an apology to the many Kenyan youth who have fallen victim to fraudulent recruitment agencies promising jobs abroad. Speaking at the Rift Valley National Polytechnic in Nakuru during the ongoing national jobs recruitment exercise, Dr. Mutua expressed regret over the financial and emotional toll such scams have inflicted on hopeful job seekers.
“For too long, unscrupulous elements in the recruitment sector have preyed on our youth, costing them millions of shillings and dashing their dreams,” Dr. Mutua said. He assured attendees that under his leadership, the government will ensure such malpractices are eradicated. “We have already suspended or revoked the licenses of rogue agencies. There will be no room for conmanship in this sector.”
The national recruitment initiative, spearheaded by the government, aims to link at least 20,000 job seekers with employment opportunities in the Middle East, Europe, Canada and Australia Dr. Mutua acknowledged the sense of pessimism among some youth due to past experiences but urged them to remain optimistic and seize the opportunity to transform their lives.
“You must eschew negativity and take the initiative to better your future. This government is fully in charge of this process to ensure it is transparent and beneficial,” he said.
Nakuru marks the fourth county to host the recruitment exercise, following successful sessions in Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui. The exercise is set to move to Baringo tomorrow and Nyandarua on Wednesday.
Dr. Mutua was joined by several officials, including Principal Secretary for the State Department of Labour Shadrack Mwadime, Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones, County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, and National Employment Authority Director General Edith Okoki.
The CS reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting job seekers and ensuring that opportunities are created and accessed in a transparent and fair manner.
