Mutua orders arrest of Kazi Majuu fraudsters preying on desperate job seekers

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to immediately pursue and arrest fraudsters impersonating Kazi Majuu agents, following reports of scams targeting desperate job seekers.

The directive came after an incident in Mombasa County on May 28, where a group of individuals reportedly attempted to extort money from youth attending a recruitment exercise for overseas jobs.

Speaking during a similar event in Kwale County, Mutua revealed that the suspects had unlawfully photocopied government-issued youth fund forms and were selling them for Sh50 each.

“There was an incident in Mombasa where some people photocopied the youth fund forms and started selling them at Sh50,” he said.

Condemning the scam, Mutua described the act as both criminal and immoral. He warned that the government would take firm action against anyone preying on the youth’s aspirations for employment through the Kazi Majuu programme.

The CS reaffirmed that the overseas jobs initiative is a free and transparent government programme aimed at linking qualified Kenyan youth to decent work opportunities abroad.

He insisted that no applicant should be charged at any stage of the process.

“Let me make it clear: no one should be charged even a shilling to access this programme. The recruitment process is free, fair, and transparent. Anyone demanding payment is breaking the law,” Mutua said.

He urged the public to report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station or labour office, and assured Kenyans that the culprits involved in the scams would be brought to justice.

Mutua further explained that the Kazi Majuu programme is part of the government’s larger commitment to creating decent employment for youth and ensuring their rights are protected while working abroad.

For those without passports, he added, the government will facilitate their acquisition and recover the costs once the candidates are successfully placed in jobs overseas.

“The government will cover the initial expenses, and the youth can reimburse the cost once they start working,” he stated.

Last month, the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare launched an investigation into the controversial ‘Kazi Majuu’ project following allegations that some recruitment agencies scammed Kenyan job seekers out of millions of shillings.

Preliminary reports indicated that more than 300 Kenyans were defrauded by agencies accredited by the National Employment Authority (NEA).

The recruitment drive, which reportedly took place in Kabete in December 2024, targeted job seekers for various roles, including carpentry, driving, and masonry.

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Applicants were initially asked to pay Sh15,000 for medical checks — fees that were described as standard pre-departure requirements. However, job seekers later faced additional charges.