Senate summons Labour CS Alfred Mutua over job deals that have left Kenyans stranded

The Senate Labour Committee summoned Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Alfred Mutua, and officials from the National Employment Authority (NEA) on April 28, 2025, to respond to a growing crisis involving hundreds of Kenyans who paid for job placements abroad, only to find themselves stranded and without employment.

The investigation was prompted by claims of fraudulent recruitment practices that saw many job seekers, particularly those targeting the Middle East, financially exploited and left in limbo.

In powerful testimony, victims who participated in a government-backed recruitment drive in late 2024 shared their heart-wrenching experiences on Monday.

Godfrey Githae, a carpenter from Nyeri, was among those who paid Sh55,000 for a job in Iraq.

“I borrowed Sh55,000 from my wife and in-laws to get a job abroad, but up to now, I have received nothing,” he explained, his frustration palpable. “I was told to wait for the visa, but the months have gone by without any response, and my business back home has collapsed.

Doreen Biyaki, a grader operator from Embu, echoed similar sentiments, recalling how she and others were asked to pay Sh15,000 for medical tests as part of the recruitment process.

“We’ve been waiting for months, yet no one has reached out to us. It’s devastating,” she said, her voice breaking.

Robinson Nyamongo, another victim who paid Sh15,000 for a job, explained how he managed to recover some of his funds. “I had to pursue the agent for a refund, and after a long process, I got Sh10,000 back via a paybill,” he said. “But it’s still not enough, and many of us are stuck with no work and no refunds.”

James Mwangi, who paid Sh55,000 for a similar placement, had a similar story. “I was promised a job abroad, but after months of waiting, I had to fight for my refund. I managed to get Sh37,000 back, but I’m still waiting for the balance,” he shared.

These victims’ stories highlight a growing issue that Senator Gloria Orwoba, who led the Senate Committee’s investigation, described as deeply concerning.

“I am disturbed by the number of young Kenyans who have lost their savings. This was supposed to be a government-backed programme, but instead, it has left hundreds, if not thousands, of young people stranded,” she noted.

The Senator stressed that many individuals who had applied through her office were still without jobs, despite paying substantial sums to recruiters.

“It’s heartbreaking to witness people who believed in the system and took loans or borrowed money to secure these opportunities, only to end up empty-handed,” Orwoba said.

“We cannot let this issue slide under the rug. The government must be held accountable for the agencies involved,” she added.

Senator Alexander Mundigi of Embu, who is also part of the Senate Labour Committee, added his voice to the chorus of condemnation.

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“These young people trusted the system. We must investigate how these agencies operated, who benefited from their pain, and how they can be compensated,” he stated.

Senator Seki Lenku, acting Chair of the Committee, assured the victims that the investigation would proceed with urgency.

“We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable. The victims deserve justice, and we will do everything in our power to ensure they receive it,” he affirmed.

As the Senate continues its probe, the victims and their families are left hoping that the government will take swift action to resolve the matter.