The government has rescued at least 20 Kenyans who were duped into fraudulent overseas job schemes, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed, warning young people to exercise caution when seeking employment abroad.
Speaking on Saturday during the burial of Mama Fanny Asigo Malova in Kipkaren, Kakamega County, Mudavadi said many youths are being lured with promises of lucrative jobs, only to find themselves in dangerous situations, including war zones and 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,” Mudavadi said. “The Government of Kenya has saved 20 Kenyans who had been caught up in this scam.”
The CS urged job seekers to verify overseas employment opportunities through 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 people leave without even informing their families,” he said.
Mudavadi noted that the consequences of such scams have been severe, with some victims losing their lives while others sustain injuries. He added that the government is working to repatriate affected Kenyans, pointing out that even relatives of public officials have fallen victim to the schemes.
The Foreign Affairs CS also said Kenya is pursuing bilateral labour agreements with foreign countries to establish safer and more regulated pathways for citizens seeking employment abroad.
His remarks come amid growing concern over reports of Kenyans allegedly being recruited into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Friday, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence agency claimed that three Kenyans recruited into Russia’s war effort were killed in eastern Ukraine.
According to the agency, the bodies of Ombwori Denis Bagaka, Wahome Simon Gititu and Clinton Nyapara Mogesa were recovered near Lyman in the Donetsk region.
