Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua Addressing journalists during a press briefing at Machakos on Wednesday November 19, 2025. Photo Facebook Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced significant progress in Kenya’s labour migration programme, revealing a sharp rise in the number of citizens securing decent work abroad and a strengthened crackdown on rogue recruitment agencies exploiting jobseekers.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Thursday, Dr. Mutua said Kenya continues to be a trusted labour source globally, with opportunities steadily increasing in Qatar, Europe, and across the Middle East.
He noted that between 300 and 500 Kenyans are leaving the country every day for formal employment, a development he described as “a direct result of the country’s growing reputation for skilled and disciplined labour.”
“We have received new requests, including one for 100 diploma-level nurses to work in home-care facilities in Qatar,” the CS said. “These positions come with competitive salaries of up to Sh200,000 per month, which is life-changing for many of our young professionals.”
Dr. Mutua emphasized that while the government is expanding employment opportunities abroad, equal attention is being given to safeguarding Kenyan workers from exploitation.
He confirmed President William Ruto’s recent directive that saw over 600 rogue recruitment agencies deregistered for violating migration laws and taking advantage of desperate jobseekers.
“We are cleaning up the sector. Anyone involved in conning Kenyans is now under investigation,” he stated. “A multi-agency team comprising the Ministry of Labour, the Attorney General’s Office, Immigration, DCI, and other state organs is working together to ensure accountability. Several cases are already before investigators.”
The CS also offered an update on the government-sponsored recruitment programme in the Coast region. Out of the 500 youth supported, 300 have already travelled, 84 have been issued visas and will depart soon, while 121 are still undergoing visa processing. Some applicants, he said, experienced delays after failing mandatory medical and drug tests.
“Substances like marijuana remain detectable for months, and that automatically disqualifies candidates,” Dr. Mutua explained. “I urge all applicants to take medical requirements seriously and go for personal checks before submitting their documents.”
To ensure safer migration, the ministry has reinforced the registration and vetting of recruitment agencies. According to Mutua, the revamped system is “faster, more thorough, and uncompromising,” with strict background checks, compliance verification, and financial integrity assessments. Any agency that fails to meet the criteria is barred from operating.
Looking ahead, the government projects that between 100,000 and 250,000 Kenyans will secure safe and legal employment abroad in 2026 as bilateral labour agreements with additional countries near completion.
“Our priority is clear,” the CS affirmed. “We are expanding opportunities for Kenyans while ensuring every worker is protected. We will not allow anyone to exploit our youth.”
The government, he added, remains committed to building a migration system that is fair, transparent, and efficient — one that opens doors while keeping Kenyans safe.
