While the Kenya government has assured youths shortlisted for foreign jobs, questions there are unanswered about why the state took more than a week to respond allegations of possible fraud involving government officials and recruitment bureaus.

More curiously, it is intriguing why the government and its security agencies still complain about rogue recruitment bureaus that have been implicated in scams after fleecing unsuspecting young Kenyans desperate to earn a living abroad.

These many other questions were not answered on Friday at a media briefing by Cabinet Secretary for Labour Alfred Mutua, more than a week after the applicants who had out of patience questioned the legitimacy of the exercise they took part in seven ago on the understanding that deployment would be immediate.

During the press conference, Dr Mutua pushed back on allegations of government-sanctioned fraud, saying the government was committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young Kenyans.

The minister lauded foreign jobs programme, saying it was a game-changer for the youth and government.

The cabinet secretary disclosed that, since a major recruitment drive in October last year, the ministry has processed close to 1,000 job offers from a pool of 3,000 qualified candidates, an achievement made possible through strategic bilateral agreements with various foreign governments.

“We have flagged off over 300 people with the deputy president, another 100 shortly after and every week more are departing,” the cabinet secretary said. “This is not just employment, it’s empowerment for many. This is the first step toward transforming their lives and their families.”

The cabinet secretary acknowledged the frustrations of those still waiting to travel, attributing delays to standard visa processing timelines, employer preparedness, and in some cases, sector-specific requirements such as licensing exams for healthcare workers. He stressed that the delays were not due to negligence by registered agencies.

“Receiving a job offer doesn’t mean you’re flying out the next day. Visa processing alone can take six to eight months depending on the country,” Mutua explained. “In cases where projects like hotel construction are still ongoing, employers wait until everything is ready before bringing in staff.”

He reassured applicants that they are free to withdraw and request refunds if they no longer wish to proceed. “If any agency refuses to refund you, come to me directly. We will ensure justice is done whether that means getting your money back or securing your placement.”

Mutua’s proactive approach to labour export has also included cracking down on rogue recruitment agencies. While several have been deregistered and reported to the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), the cabinet secretary admitted that more prosecutions are needed. He urged affected individuals to file formal complaints despite fears of intimidation.

“The lack of prosecutions is frustrating, but we can’t move forward without victim cooperation. I’ve raised this in cabinet. Justice will be served but we must follow the law,” he said.

In response to reports of some applicants being charged more, Mutua was unequivocal. “There are no hidden fees, that amount covers medicals, double x-rays, visa processing, everything. If someone asks for more, they are either lying to you or not part of the official system.”

“I sincerely thank Dr Alfred Mutua for his visionary leadership because of his efforts, the dream of a better future is no longer just a hope, it is now within reach for me, and for thousands of other Kenyan youths,” said a beneficiary from the programme who sought anonymity.

As the latest group of hopefuls prepared to board their flights, their excitement was a visible testament to the programme’s growing impact.

The cabinet secretary reiterated that the programme is a long-term solution, not a quick fix stressing: “We’re building a sustainable bridge between Kenya’s talent and global labour demand. It takes time but it is working.”

• A Tell Media / KNA report /By Naïf Rashid