A programme that promised overseas jobs to Kenyan youth now causes deep frustration. Many young people say officials encouraged them to take Youth Fund loans for foreign jobs that never materialised. Hundreds applied through the Kazi Majuu initiative, yet none has travelled. Their loans have matured, and deductions have begun. Some resigned from their jobs expecting to leave. Many now depend on casual work to survive.
More than 700 youth from Nairobi and the Coast took the loans. They were told deductions would start after travelling. Repayments were expected to reach Sh33,000. Applicants also had to be between 18 and 34 and present confirmed job offers from registered recruitment agencies. Concerns increased after reports linked the programme to exploitation and profit making schemes involving agencies and insurance partners.
Applicants Report Silence, Delays and Financial Pressure
Applicants describe a breakdown in communication. Diana Tungu says the agency interviewed them, issued offer letters and instructed them to prepare for travel. She expected to leave within months. The agency now ignores her calls and messages. She earns Sh25,000, but deductions of Sh18,000 continue every month. Diana has not travelled and wants the deductions stopped. She also wants the agency to return her passport so she can seek other opportunities.
Many applicants used agencies approved by the National Employment Authority but still feel misled. The programme marketed itself as a pathway to professional jobs abroad. Applicants used Youth Fund loans to cover passports, visas, medical tests, air tickets, certification and training. Saada, another applicant, regrets trusting the process. She says she has no job locally and none overseas.
Agencies acknowledge delays. A representative from one firm says they still hold many passports. He claims they are searching for placements but cannot give travel dates. Some applicants now say agencies are offering low-ranking jobs that differ from their initial interviews. One university graduate interviewed for an office role later learned that only cleaning jobs were available.
Applicants also report changes to promised working conditions. Earlier letters indicated shorter shifts and higher pay. Revised offers now show longer shifts and lower salaries.
Government Response and Ongoing Concerns
In Kilifi, some agencies demand extra payments. One agent asked applicants for Sh14,000 while another demanded Sh18,700. A consent form issued to Youth Fund beneficiaries stated that applicants who fail to raise the additional amount would have their Sh180,000 returned to the Youth Fund and their applications cancelled.
- Mutua addressing media on Qatar job recruitment concerns – File Photo, May 2025
The Youth Fund has not released a public statement. A Mombasa official says applicants have been guided on handling delays. They were advised to reschedule their standing orders to avoid wrongful deductions. The official also says banks only deduct agreed amounts. Any refunds or corrections would come from agencies if travel arrangements collapse.
Labour officials say qualified applicants should travel within a set timeframe. They describe long delays as unacceptable and insist the government continues to vet agencies for compliance. Applicants have also been warned against engaging firms advertising jobs not listed on official platforms.
Government leaders maintain that Kenya supports safe labour migration. They say salaries vary by job category and training. Leaders also dismiss claims that Kenyans are being undervalued abroad. New labour agreements aim to secure better wages and conditions for skilled and semi skilled workers.
Officials also mention steps taken to address abuse cases in some countries. Kenya has expanded its diplomatic presence and opened new consular offices. Plans are underway to establish safe houses for distressed workers. The government urges the public to seek accurate information and insists that Kenyan workers remain in demand worldwide. It says systems are being strengthened to protect every citizen seeking opportunities abroad.
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