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By The Anchor Writer

NAIROBI – A high-stakes foreign jobs programme launched by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has erupted into a full-blown scandal, with youth organizations now demanding his immediate resignation and prosecution.

The Nairobi Community of Practice (N-COP)—a coalition of youth-led and youth-serving organizations convened by The Youth Agenda—is accusing the Ministry of Labour of presiding over a fraudulent recruitment scheme that has defrauded, traumatized, and abandoned hundreds of desperate Kenyan youths.

In late 2024, CS Mutua unveiled the programme with much fanfare at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, promising thousands of well-paying jobs, especially in Qatar. But the reality that followed has been one of betrayal.

Young Kenyans, many from vulnerable backgrounds, paid between Ksh 15,000 and Ksh 55,000 in “processing fees.” While some never made it past the paperwork stage, others who traveled were deported shortly after arrival—subjected to questionable medical procedures, detained, and treated like criminals.

Victims allege their phones were seized and movements restricted, with no support from Kenyan authorities.

Alarming reports indicate that medical documents issued in Kenya were dismissed as forged by Qatari officials.

Victims say recruitment agencies vanished, and the government has remained evasive.

The National Employment Authority and Kenyan embassies have failed to intervene meaningfully, deepening the crisis and casting doubt on official intentions.

“The government didn’t just fail—it facilitated fraud,” N-COP said in a strongly worded statement. “What was marketed as a promise of prosperity has become a state-sanctioned human rights violation.”

While CS Mutua denies any wrongdoing—blaming logistical hurdles, funding gaps, and medical clearance issues—his assurances have done little to calm public outrage.

He insists the programme is still running and has pledged to publish a list of successful candidates, but those affected say the damage is irreparable.

Parliament has taken note. The Senate Labour Committee recently summoned CS Mutua and top officials to account, following damning testimonies from victims. Many say they were conned by individuals acting with apparent impunity under the Ministry’s watch.

In its demands, N-COP has called for:

• The immediate resignation of CS Alfred Mutua for gross dereliction of duty and violation of constitutional obligations.
• A full, independent investigation into the scandal, covering government ministries, agencies, and private players.
• Prosecution of all individuals and entities involved in fraud, coercion, or violations of labour and human rights.
• Comprehensive compensation for all victims.
• Sweeping reforms of Kenya’s foreign employment systems to ensure transparency and protect jobseekers.

“What began as hope has ended in horror,” the coalition stated. “This scandal is not just a stain on one ministry—it’s a damning reflection of systemic collapse.”

As pressure mounts and public scrutiny sharpens, the next few weeks will test the government’s appetite for accountability—and its sincerity in championing youth empowerment.

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Make a Feedback on this  story to:
Nairobi Community of Practice (N-COP) Secretariat
The Youth Agenda
Email: info@youthagenda.org
P.O. Box 10174-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
A6, MNG Apartment, Ndemi Road, Off Ngong Road, Nairobi

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