Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has revealed that approximately 5,000 Kenyans are currently stranded in Qatar, living as refugees after being lured to the Gulf state by rogue recruitment agents.
These agents had promised the Kenyans job opportunities, particularly around the World Cup period.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday, Mutua disclosed that these Kenyans had each paid between KSh 200,000 and KSh 250,000 to the agents, expecting to secure employment.
However, many of the promised jobs never materialized, and despite their hardships, some individuals are unwilling to return to Kenya until they can recover their investments through employment.
“Currently we’ve got 5,000 Kenyans stuck in Qatar, living as refugees,” Mutua stated. “They were taken there during the World Cup period. Some of the promised jobs have not come to be, and because they paid such large amounts, they are holding on, hoping to secure a position.”
Mutua highlighted the critical role played by the International Organization of Migration, which is currently providing daily meals for these Kenyans in Qatar.
He also condemned the local rogue agents, noting the government’s efforts to eradicate these illegal practices that exploit unsuspecting job seekers.
In a recent government recruitment exercise held at the KICC, Mutua reported that rogue agents were found infiltrating the venue and collecting passports from hopeful candidates in exchange for money.
“On the first day at KICC, we had agents who were not part of the process collecting passports to extort individuals,” he revealed, citing one instance where officials discovered a vehicle filled with about 40 collected passports.
Mutua reassured Kenyans that the government is actively working to streamline the recruitment process. He advised citizens to seek official channels, where they are not charged for initial interviews.
According to the CS, only after successful recruitment will minimal process fees, such as those for medicals, apply, ensuring transparency in job placement procedures.
With over 20,000 Kenyans attending last week’s government job recruitment, Mutua emphasized the importance of eliminating corrupt practices to safeguard the interests of job seekers.
