Africa-Press – Kenya. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has expressed concern over reports of Kenyan youth being recruited for employment abroad under unsafe or potentially illegal conditions, including to countries such as Russia.
Mudavadi urged young Kenyans to verify all overseas job opportunities through official government labour migration channels to avoid falling victim to rogue agents and human trafficking networks.
“Be cautious before accepting any job offers abroad. Youth should heed warnings from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. Always verify the legitimacy of agents and opportunities before taking any steps,” Mudavadi said.
He also called on religious institutions to help spread the message.
“Many young people travel without informing their families and later fall prey to unscrupulous agents. Churches and other religious organisations can play a crucial role in sensitising our youth,” he added.
Speaking in Musembe, Lugari, Kakamega County, while attending the burial of Mama Fanny Asigo Malova, Mudavadi urged youth to consult government websites that provide verified information on overseas job opportunities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently received increased complaints from Kenyans who travelled abroad under misleading arrangements, including using the wrong visa categories or being deceived about the nature of the work awaiting them.
“I am repeating this message here in Lugari because several cases involve youth from this region, including relatives of government officials. It is very unfortunate, and we want this warning to be taken seriously,” Mudavadi noted.
His warning comes a day after Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua cautioned that any agency or job opportunity not listed on official government websites should be treated as suspicious.
“Yes, we have lost lives, particularly following reports from our embassy in Moscow. But the government is doing all it can to rescue Kenyans in distress abroad,” Mudavadi said.
He also encouraged youth to stay informed about bilateral labour agreements, which Kenya signs with other countries to ensure structured and safe employment opportunities.
According to the Ministry, Kenya has signed several Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with countries including the UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Germany, and Austria. These agreements aim to protect Kenyans from exploitation while promoting remittances.
Mudavadi emphasised that his Ministry, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, regularly runs awareness campaigns in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the National Employment Authority to educate Kenyans on safe practices when seeking jobs abroad.
“There are many traps beyond the well-known cases of recruitment to Russia. We have seen incidents involving human trafficking for organ transplants, drug trafficking, and other illegal jobs where our brothers and sisters fall victim,” he warned.
The PCS also encouraged youth who have not registered to vote to do so ahead of the 2027 general election, reminding them that it is their constitutional right to have their voices heard.
Mudavadi lauded the strong working relationship between Western Kenya leaders and President Ruto’s administration, highlighting the positive economic impact on the region.
“We launched the tarmacking of the Turbo-Pan Paper-Makutano-Sikhendu road late last year, and progress is good. In Lugari Constituency, two modern markets at Pan Paper and Chekalini are also advancing well,” he said.
“The hardworking people of Western Kenya will soon benefit further when the Nairobi-Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba Road is completed, opening opportunities for industries, jobs, and economic growth,” Mudavadi stated.
