The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection’s ambitious labour migration strategy came under intense scrutiny today as Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua appeared before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to defend his ministry’s handling of overseas job recruitment. The session, chaired by Sen Julius Murgor (West Pokot), laid bare systemic weaknesses that continue to hinder thousands of job-seekers from accessing employment abroad.

Since February 2024, 41,102 Kenyans have reportedly secured employment opportunities in foreign countries. 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 KES 55,000 fee imposed on successful candidates following Ministry-led recruitment drives. Sen Seki Lenku Ole Kanar (Kajiado) pressed for a full breakdown of the charge, demanding clarity on medical screening costs and the budgetary allocation tied to the programme. Sen Okongo Omogeni (Nyamira) further 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. Dr 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.

However, Sen Crystal Asige (Vice Chair) faulted the process, citing widespread communication failures, delays stretching over six months and a lack of clear feedback to candidates who had already paid but remained unplaced. The Ministry acknowledged the communication lapses and promised to submit a full list of candidates deployed versus those still waiting. This, Dr Mutua said, would ensure transparency and help restore public trust.

Sen Beth Syengo echoed the Vice Chairperson’s concerns about the inordinate delays and pressed Dr Mutua for specific timelines. He responded:

“The timeline depends on the profession and destination country. For example, if you're hired to go to Australia as a nurse or medical doctor, it takes a minimum of 14 months. For most jobs, the average duration from offer letter to departure is six to eight months.”

Sen Gloria Orwoba led a sharp interrogation of commercial recruitment agencies, accusing them of repackaging government-to-government job offers and selling them to desperate job seekers. She cited disturbing reports of applicants being conned by rogue agents, including instances where individuals paid fees only to be denied travel or job placements.

One agency, Global Face Human Resources Limited, became a focal point of the inquiry. Festus Omwamba, a Director at the agency, blamed job-seekers from Bobasi for being impatient, which he claimed led to the disruption of a planned deployment of 38 candidates from the constituency to Dubai. Only two of the 38 reportedly completed their visa processing, with candidates alleging that only partial refunds of their payments were made.

Reuben Wahome, who introduced himself as the chairman of recruitment agents, warned that negative publicity could derail Kenya’s growing international labour market. Nevertheless, senators emphasized that transparency and accountability were non-negotiable.

Concerns about worker welfare dominated discussions, with Sen Murgor citing reports of abuse, discrimination and withheld salaries in countries such as Saudi Arabia. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers and advised candidates against travelling on tourist visas, emphasizing legal channels and embassy support.

Despite the challenges, Sen Alexander Mundigi (Embu) urged the Ministry to streamline recruitment and reduce the burden on job seekers.

The ongoing inquiry stems from a Statement requested in March 2025 by Sen Gloria Orwoba, who sought clarity on the fate of candidates shortlisted for diaspora jobs.