The heat is on Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua as fresh revelations surrounding the controversial “Kazi Majuu” initiative rocked the Senate on Wednesday morning , prompting Kakamega Senator Boniface Khalwale to demand his immediate resignation.
In a charged Senate session, Senator Khalwale delivered a scathing attack on the CS, accusing him of presiding over a “national shame” that has left hundreds of Kenyan youths defrauded in their pursuit of overseas employment.
“You are a failure in the employment of our youths outside this country,” thundered Khalwale. “Those youths have asked of me today because they knew you were coming to Senate for this summon, which I now demand as the CS for Labour. Are you willing to do so, so that you can be properly investigated?”
Khalwale’s explosive remarks prompted Senate Speaker Amason Kingi to intervene, shielding CS Mutua from the attack and clarifying that the Senator’s sentiments were personal and unrelated to the official summon.
At the center of the storm is the now-notorious “Kazi Majuu” program, initially launched with the promise of linking Kenyan youth to job opportunities in countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. But the dream has turned into a nightmare for many, who claim they were lured into parting with between KSh15,000 and KSh55,000 by agencies allegedly operating under government sanction.
The Voices of Betrayal
Calvin Nyamweya, a young man from Kisii, said he paid KSh20,000 for medical exams and an additional KSh40,000 for visa processing after being shortlisted at a job fair held at KICC. Months later, there’s still no job and no refund.
Similarly, Godfrey Githae from Nyeri told Channel 15 News he’s been ignored and blocked by recruitment officials after paying the full amount for a supposed job in Saudi Arabia. “We trusted this was a government-led opportunity. Now, we feel cheated by our own country,” he lamented.
Senate Probe Intensifies
The Senate Labour Committee, chaired by Kajiado Senator Lenku Seki, has summoned CS Mutua and top officials from the National Employment Authority (NEA) to respond to the allegations. The committee is also probing the role of registered recruitment agencies and whether there was oversight from the Ministry.
While appearing before the Senate, CS Mutua distanced himself from the fraudulent operations, denying any direct links to the agencies involved. “We are cooperating with investigative bodies. I have personally requested the National Intelligence Service to look into the matter,” he said.
But his explanations did little to cool tempers, especially after a confrontation with Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, who accused the ministry of failing to regulate recruitment agents. Mutua hit back, claiming Orwoba was spreading misinformation and had personal interests in the issue.
Public Pressure Mounts
Civil society groups, youth leaders, and some MPs have echoed Khalwale’s call for Mutua’s
