The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare chaired by Sen Julius Murgor (West Pokot) on Friday held a series of high-level meetings to discuss persistent gaps in youth employment, labour rights enforcement and the welfare of Kenyans working abroad.

Labour PS Shadrack Mwadime briefed the Committee on government efforts to curb rising unemployment, noting that only 200,000–250,000 of the one million annual graduates are absorbed into the economy. He outlined a two-pronged strategy: expanding overseas job opportunities through bilateral agreements (“Kazi Majuu”) and improving local employability through sector-based skills reforms (“Kazi on the Ground”).

PS Mwadime added that the Ministry is exploring new job frontiers in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT through the “Kazi Mtandaoni” initiative to boost digital economy opportunities and safeguard workers in digital workspaces. He further noted that the Ministry is also leveraging the “Kazi Baharini” initiative, which emphasizes Kenya's strengths in hospitality and seafaring.

Sen Murgor raised concerns over cultural preparedness for Kenyans heading to Saudi Arabia. PS Mwadime explained that outbound domestic workers undergo mandatory two-week pre-departure training at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO). He defended the two-week training—already reduced from one month under pressure from recruitment agencies—and called for wider Arabic language instruction. The Committee was also updated on the World Bank-supported NYOTA programme, which targets 800,000 vulnerable youth with training, certification and entrepreneurship support.

Sen Joe Nyutu (Murang’a) demanded greater transparency in the oversubscribed NYOTA youth grants programme, which received over one million applications for 100,000 available slots. Melda Angir, Project Coordinator of NYOTA outlined the multi-stage, merit-based selection process, but senators sought further assurances against bias.

Turning to Statements before the Committee, senators raised alarms over widespread labour violations in several companies. At Shivling Supermarkets in Kisii, Ministry investigations revealed underpayment, excessive working hours, inadequate rest days and unremitted statutory deductions. KEMRI was also cited for mass terminations and repeated refusal to comply with Ministry information requests, prompting the Committee to commit to inviting its CEO for engagement. Inspections at China Square in Kisumu found compliance with labour laws, but the Committee directed that monitoring continue.

Throughout the meeting, members reaffirmed their commitment to stronger oversight and insisted that Cabinet Secretaries—not only Principal Secretaries—must appear before the Committee in future hearings.