Gov't has rescued 20 Kenyans from overseas job scams - Mudavadi

Speaking during the burial of Mama Fanny Asigo Malova in Kipkaren, Kakamega County, on Saturday, Mudavadi warned that some youths are lured with promises of lucrative jobs, only to end up in life-threatening situations, including war zones such as Russia and Ukraine, or trapped in human trafficking networks.

“I want to tell our people to remain alert. We have seen young people leaving the country claiming they are going to work abroad, only to be duped. Some sign contracts and later find themselves in war zones in Russia and Ukraine. The Government of Kenya has saved 20 Kenyans who had been caught up in this scam,” Mudavadi stated.

He urged job seekers to verify employment offers with the Ministry of Labour, the National Employment Authority (NEA), and the Diaspora Affairs department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling.

“Please send a message to the Ministry of Labour, NEA and the Department of Diaspora so we can help you confirm whether an opportunity is legitimate. Some leave without even informing their families. We have lost lives, others have been injured, and we are working to have them repatriated,” he added, noting that even relatives of public officials have fallen victim.

Mudavadi added that the government is pursuing bilateral labour agreements with foreign nations to create safer and more structured pathways for overseas employment. 

His remarks come as reports emerge of Kenyans being recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On Friday, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence agency claimed that three Kenyans allegedly recruited into Russia’s war effort were killed in eastern Ukraine.

The agency said the bodies of Ombwori Denis Bagaka, Wahome Simon Gititu and Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, were found near Lyman in the Donetsk region. 

The developments have intensified scrutiny of Kenya’s labour mobility programme.

Labour CS Alfred Mutua has previously defended the initiative, saying most Kenyans who travel abroad secure legitimate jobs, but acknowledged that some youths have ended up in foreign conflicts due to inadequate verification.

Mutua urged families and job seekers to confirm offers through NEA, which regulates recruitment agencies and maintains a register of licensed firms, warning that fraudsters often use visitor visas and false promises to trap victims.