How Overseas Job Seekers Were Swindled by CS Alfred Mutua

For years, thousands of Kenyan youth have dreamt of securing better livelihoods abroad through government-facilitated employment programs. However, the much-publicized Kazi Majuu initiative, spearheaded by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, is now at the center of a heated overseas job seekers scandal.

Dozens of overseas job seekers have come forward claiming that they were conned out of their hard-earned money by rogue agents allegedly operating under the ministry’s watch. Some say they parted with up to Sh300,000 each, only to be met with silence, false promises, and vanishing recruiters.

The Dream That Turned Into a Nightmare

When CS Mutua unveiled the overseas employment drive, it was marketed as a government-backed gateway to opportunities in the Middle East, Europe, and Canada. Advertisements promised jobs in hospitality, security, health, and transport, with the assurance of transparent recruitment.

Hopeful youth flocked to interviews across the country, some even receiving official-looking offer letters. But after paying placement fees and travel costs to purported recruitment agencies, many say they were left stranded.

One victim told Kenya Insights:

“I sold family land to raise money for the Dubai job. After paying, the agency switched off their phones. We were told Mutua’s ministry would help, but nothing happened.”

Millions Lost in the Scandal

According to investigations reported by The Star, over 84 official complaints have already been lodged across 15 counties, with job seekers losing an estimated Sh17.3 million. This figure could be far higher since many victims remain silent out of fear or shame.

The government has since set up a one-stop complaints center to coordinate investigations and facilitate refunds. However, victims argue that accountability should start at the top — with CS Mutua himself.

Mutua’s Response

Dr. Alfred Mutua has denied direct involvement, dismissing claims that the government itself was running a scam. Instead, he blames “rogue agents and travel agencies” for exploiting vulnerable youth under the pretense of official recruitment.

He maintains that his ministry only partners with vetted agencies, urging Kenyans to verify contracts before making payments.

“The government does not charge for foreign job placements. Anyone who has paid money to third parties should report immediately,” Mutua said.

Political and Public Reactions

The scandal has sparked outrage among Kenyans on social media, with hashtags like #JobScam and #MutuaExposed trending. Critics argue that the government is hiding behind “rogue agents” while its officials allowed fraudsters to thrive under their watch.

Opposition leaders have demanded a parliamentary probe, while civil society groups are calling for compensation and stronger oversight of foreign recruitment programs.

A Growing Crisis for Kenyan Job Seekers

This is not the first time Kenyans have fallen prey to overseas job scams. Every year, desperate youth lose millions to fake recruiters promising opportunities in Dubai, Qatar, and Canada. With unemployment rates soaring above 40% among the youth, the hunger for foreign jobs makes them easy targets.

The Mutua controversy, however, cuts deeper because it allegedly involved government branding and endorsements. For many, it raises questions about how safe it really is to trust official programs.

What Next?

As investigations continue, the scandal serves as a warning for overseas job seekers to:

• Verify agencies through the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Affairs before paying.
• Avoid making large upfront payments without clear contracts.
• Report suspicious recruitment drives to authorities.

The ball is now in CS Mutua’s court to prove whether his initiative was a genuine opportunity or another costly illusion for Kenya’s desperate youth.