The National Assembly Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee now wants the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua, to clearly outline the criteria the Ministry used to select candidates for the Kazi Majuu program.
While appearing before the Committee chaired by Lydia Haika, Members demanded explanations on why Kenyans continue to fall victim to rogue recruitment agencies, and how many of these agencies have been arraigned in court.
In his response, CS Mutua stated that the government has a legal platform, the National Employment Agency (NEA), where candidates can apply for jobs and obtain the necessary documentation.
He further emphasized the importance of doing due diligence when dealing with private recruitment agencies.
“The government has created a platform for people to apply. Kenyans need to do due diligence before paying, check with NEA and confirm if the job actually exists,” CS Mutua said.
Has Kenyan government identified rogue recruitment agencies?
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor inquired whether the Ministry has publicly identified fraudulent agencies and provided a list of accredited ones.
MP Titus Lotee also sought to know the exact number of rogue agencies that have been prosecuted.
On their part, MP Ibrahim Saney and Doris Doya reminded the CS that it is the government’s responsibility to safeguard citizens against exploitation by illegitimate private recruiters.
In response, CS Mutua admitted that his Ministry has a gap in communication and outreach efforts.
“It is true we need to be more robust when it comes to communication and outreach,” he said.
During her submission, MP Zamzam Mohammed questioned why only candidates from a single county appeared to have benefited from the program.
Njoro MP Charity Kathambi further demanded a comprehensive report detailing the youth from Nakuru County who have secured jobs under the initiative.
Is Kazi Majuu Programme benefiting only one region?
CS Mutua refuted the claims that only one county was considered and committed to providing the Committee with a full breakdown of all recruited individuals.
The Committee Chair directed that all relevant documentation be submitted within two weeks.
