The government’s labour mobility programme came under sharp scrutiny in the Senate on Friday as lawmakers demanded stronger safeguards to protect thousands of young Kenyans pursuing employment opportunities overseas.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya defended the initiative, describing it as a key intervention in addressing youth unemployment and expanding access to global job markets.
However, senators raised concerns about delayed loan disbursements, fraudulent recruitment agencies, worker welfare, and the government’s preparedness to respond to emergencies involving Kenyans working abroad.
Senators Demand Accountability
The committee, chaired by West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor, questioned officials from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) on the effectiveness of systems designed to support beneficiaries before and after deployment.
Lawmakers expressed concern that administrative delays could cause qualified applicants to lose employment opportunities, while inadequate oversight could expose job seekers to exploitation.
Nominated Senator Beth Syengo sought clarification on the time taken to process applications and release funds to successful candidates.
YEDF officials told the committee that their service charter provides for loan disbursement within 14 days, although delays occasionally arise due to incomplete documentation and funding limitations associated with the revolving fund model.
KSh424 Million Disbursed
According to YEDF, the programme has so far disbursed KSh424 million to 2,944 beneficiaries since its launch, supporting Kenyan workers taking up employment opportunities in countries including the United Kingdom, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
The fund said mechanisms have been established to recover money in instances where travel plans fail to materialize after loans have been issued.
Officials explained that licensed recruitment agencies are required to endorse applications and refund funds where deployment arrangements collapse. The agency also conducts follow-up monitoring through phone calls, emails and field visits.
Crackdown on Rogue Recruiters
A major focus of the session was the growing concern over fraudulent recruitment agencies that continue to target desperate job seekers.
Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo challenged the ministry to provide evidence of action taken against rogue recruiters accused of exploiting Kenyans seeking employment abroad.
In response, Mvurya revealed that the government has deregistered more than 1,000 fraudulent recruitment agencies as part of a nationwide crackdown.
The Cabinet Secretary assured senators that additional information on prosecutions and enforcement measures would be submitted to the committee.
Concerns Over Worker Welfare Abroad
Lawmakers also questioned the government’s preparedness to assist Kenyans facing distress while working overseas, including those caught up in labour disputes, abuse cases or emergency situations.
Mvurya clarified that while the Youth Enterprise Development Fund does not operate a dedicated repatriation programme, emergency interventions are coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenyan embassies and other government agencies.
He added that the government has strengthened worker registration systems, expanded engagement with labour attachés and improved consular support in major labour destination countries.
Regional Disparities Under Review
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu further raised concerns about apparent regional disparities in participation, noting that coastal counties appeared to have a higher uptake of the programme compared to other regions.
The ministry committed to providing a county-by-county analysis of participation levels and factors influencing access to overseas employment opportunities.
As demand for foreign jobs continues to grow, senators signaled that future oversight will focus on ensuring the programme expands safely while protecting young Kenyans from exploitation, financial loss and abuse in overseas labour markets.
