'Some Kenyans are misbehaving abroad': CS Mutua defends overseas job program

Speaking during the NYOTA Capital disbursement event in Malindi, Kilifi County, on Thursday, CS Mutua sought to address mounting concerns over Kenyans being duped with fake overseas job offers, and some reportedly ending up in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The CS attributed this to a failure by job seekers to conduct proper due diligence when pursuing overseas employment opportunities.

"Some young men have gone abroad, and they are now fighting for foreign nations, and others are misbehaving because they were not informed on how to take care of themselves. I urge the parents that if your child is going for an employment opportunity abroad, do your due diligence to make sure they won't become a victim," he stated. 

Mutua appealed to the public to conduct proper research about the company and ascertain the job opportunity via the National Employment Authority (NEA) website to ascertain its credibility. 

The NEA is mandated to regulate and accredit recruitment agencies, enforce ethical recruitment standards, conduct pre-departure training and safeguard the welfare of Kenyan workers abroad, including accountability in cases of abuse or repatriation. 

"Let’s be careful if you're offered any job opportunity abroad because many scammers are seeking to lure young Kenyans. Kindly visit the National Employment Authority website, which lists all companies contracted to provide global employment opportunities. If the job listed isn't on the website, know that you've been lied to," he noted. 

"Also, contact 08002222223, and you'll speak to someone who can advise you accordingly. Some people have been taken on a visitor's visa, while the government takes Kenyans on an employment visa."

His remarks, however, drew criticism from members of the public, who accused the government’s programme of being linked to the scheme that has seen some Kenyans end up in the Russian army. 

"Many young men did not go abroad to fight for foreign nations. Investigations show some were lured by promises of work and later coerced into military roles. This points to economic desperation and weak protections, not misbehaviour," read some of the comments online. 

"Blaming the victims of your deployment is quite disgusting."

"CS for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua, just like most of his colleagues in cabinet and other elected leaders, treats hard-working Kenyans who pay their salary with contempt."

Mutua’s remarks come amid recent reports that more than 200 Kenyans have joined the Russian military since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.

According to Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, the state continues to receive distress inquiries from affected families. 

"Reports suggest that over two hundred Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, with some being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services," Mudavadi said during a press address in November 2025.

Intelligence reports indicate that victims have been signing contracts with rogue agencies after being promised up to Ksh.2.3 million ($18,000) to cover visas, travel and accommodation. 

However, those rescued reportedly said they had been misled about the nature of the work, which allegedly included assembling drones, handling chemicals and painting, often without proper training or protective gear.

Despite the government's attempt to defend the programme, the emerging cases of exploitation and alleged recruitment into foreign conflicts continue to cast a shadow over the initiative, piling pressure on authorities to tighten oversight and enforcement.