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| Kenyan Government Rescues 20 Citizens from Fraudulent Overseas Job Schemes. |
NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has rescued 20 citizens who fell victim to fraudulent overseas job schemes, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed Saturday, warning young people to exercise caution when seeking work abroad.
Speaking at the burial of Mama Fanny Asigo Malova in Kipkaren, Kakamega County, Mudavadi said some youths are lured with promises of lucrative jobs but end up in life-threatening situations, including war zones in Russia and Ukraine or trapped in human trafficking networks.
“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 said.
He urged prospective 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 traveling.
“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 also said the government is pursuing bilateral labour agreements with foreign countries to establish safer and more structured pathways for Kenyans seeking work abroad.
The announcement comes amid reports of Kenyans being recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Friday, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence agency reported that three Kenyans—Ombwori Denis Bagaka, Wahome Simon Gititu, and Clinton Nyapara Mogesa—were killed in eastern Ukraine, with their bodies found near Lyman in the Donetsk region.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua defended Kenya’s labour mobility programme, noting that most Kenyans secure legitimate employment overseas. However, he acknowledged that some have ended up in foreign conflicts due to inadequate verification. Mutua urged families and job seekers to confirm job offers through the NEA, warning that fraudsters often exploit visitor visas and false promises.
