Labour CS Dr. Alfred Mutua in a past function. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
A report presented to the National Assembly's Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee has revealed a glaring regional imbalance in Kenya’s overseas job placements, with only three counties—Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui—benefiting so far.
Appearing before the committee chaired by Hon. Lydia Haika, the Director General of the National Employment Authority (NEA), Ms. Edith Okoki, faced tough questions from lawmakers who expressed concern over the skewed distribution of international employment opportunities.
Ms. Okoki distanced the Authority from the recruitment process, explaining that the selection of candidates was exclusively handled by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
“The Authority is unable to explain the criteria used for selecting candidates who travelled abroad, as we did not participate in the recruitment,” she said.
Lawmakers were dissatisfied with her response, particularly after Ms. Okoki confirmed that none of those who secured foreign employment had been selected through NEA’s official online recruitment platform. This revelation prompted the committee to question the transparency and inclusivity of the current system.
“There’s no need to mobilize an entire county when only ten slots are available,” said Hon. Haika. “If the opportunities are limited, be clear and honest. NEA needs to rethink its recruitment strategy.”
The Committee resolved to summon the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Hon. Alfred Mutua, to provide further clarification on the criteria used in the recruitment process.
In a bid to address the growing concerns, the committee will also convene a joint meeting with the Ministry of Labour and the National Employment Authority to chart a more transparent and equitable path forward in international job placements.
