Why Kenyan Youth Are Frustrated with Diaspora Job Recruitment Fees

The recent initiative by the Kenyan government to secure employment opportunities abroad for skilled professionals has ignited both optimism and controversy among job seekers.

Spearheaded by Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua of the Ministry of Labour, the recruitment drive launched at Machakos School for the Blind has drawn the attention of many hopefuls, including experienced nurse Jedida Mutiso. Mutiso attended the drive and was eager about potential employment opportunities. After undergoing a thorough assessment, she qualified for a nursing position and subsequently received an appointment letter from a recruitment agency offering jobs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

However, complications arose when Mutiso noted that the agency encouraged her to consider a position in Qatar over a government-sponsored job in Germany. Concerns about the transparency of the recruitment process were heightened due to the absence of specific employer details. Of particular concern is the agency’s demand for a significant processing fee of Sh120,000 before providing additional job information.

This requirement has led to rising scepticism among applicants like Mutiso who fear the authenticity of the job offers. Although salaries in Qatar are advertised at Sh200,000 per month, and Sh240,000 in Saudi Arabia, the associated upfront costs pose a financial barrier for many prospective candidates. Another applicant Joseph Kithokoi mirrors Mutiso’s uncertainty. Having qualified for a nursing role in Qatar, Kithokoi remains in limbo as he awaits final confirmation, contingent upon the payment of processing fees.

This delay, combined with the steep financial demands, has resulted in increased skepticism among job seekers regarding the legitimacy of these overseas positions. The complexities of the recruitment process are further illustrated by Victor Mutua’s experience. He encountered issues with his Kenyan driving license being unrecognized in the UAE, forcing him to contemplate less desirable job roles or forgo his career aspirations altogether.

Despite these hurdles, the government has expressed its commitment to the recruitment initiative, which targets the creation of 20,000 jobs in various countries, including the Middle East, Europe, Canada, and Australia. However, potential applicants face a financial burden that can range from Sh70,000 to Sh500,000 just for travel-related expenses. The lack of transparency and the burden of high costs have provoked skepticism among job seekers.

Evidence of this distrust is reflected in the recruitment team led by Mutua which reports a lower-than-expected turnout in Baringo—indicative of skepticism stemming from previous job scams. While the government has pledged to uphold a fair and transparent recruitment process, the experiences of candidates like Mutiso and Kithokoi reveal the ongoing challenges and uncertainties in securing viable overseas employment.

Critics of the initiative argue that the government should also prioritize creating a more conducive business environment within Kenya to generate local job opportunities.