Young jobseekers in the Coast region gathered at recruitment points in Kilifi, Mombasa concluding at Diani, Ukunda for a government-backed overseas employment drive, marking the final phase of the Kazi Majuu initiative in Kenya’s Coast region.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour Dr. Alfred Mutua was keen to oversee that interviews for roles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi set off without a hitch. Positions available include motorcycle drivers, gardeners, cleaners, and construction workers. He was joined by Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Msambweni MP Hon. Feisal Bader and Kwale County Officials.
Dr. Mutua praised the candidates’ professionalism stating, “I am deeply impressed by the preparedness, discipline, and determination of the youth in the Coast region. They arrived dressed professionally with passports and documents in hand, ready to seize the opportunity.”
However, the Labor CS did not shy from cautioning youths from demonstrating in foreign countries, “We as Kenyans are developing a reputation for demonstrations. Your home country, Kenya, may tolerate this but most countries will not,” he said.
Hon. Mwanaisha Chidzuga reiterated this point urging Kenyans to represent Kenya well while working in foreign countries, “Remember the struggles at home and avoid involving yourselves in demonstrations or matters that will make you a threat to national security in a foreign country.
Government teams from the Ministry of Labour, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) provided free document verification and on-site services.
Dr. Alfred Mutua warned, “We are following up on cases of people who have been coerced by cunning individuals selling recruitment forms on the streets of Mombasa. I want to clarify that no candidate should pay agents cash. Nothing is being sold here.”
However, there were concerns that youths will still be required to pay at least Ksh150,000 in facilitation fees for tickets, medical, insurance and Visa. To address the financial barrier, the CS announced expanded support via YEDF migration loans of up to Ksh 300,000 to cover pre-departure costs like visas, airfare, medicals and insurance for successful candidates. According to YEDF records Ksh 94 million has been disbursed to 422 youths this year.
Hon. Feisal Bader also acknowledged that the sum may be far beyond the means of many youths and offered to personally sponsor a few candidates. “I vow today to sponsor a few lucky candidates. As long as they successfully pass all the other required criteria yet the only thing missing is a Visa, I will pay for it.”
Addressing concerns and doubts by youths regarding the credibility of such exercises. Deputy Spokesperson Chidzuga assured Kenyans that there are now safeguards put in place to prevent fraud and exploitation. She pledged to ensure all arising issues will be addressed and to escalate the reports to the Office of the President.
Coast County Commissioner, Stephen Orinde said, “This is a good initiative to cut down criminal activities in the region. Youths who involve themselves with crime often complain that there are no jobs. The Government has now created opportunities for those who are ready to be employed overseas.”
The youths are assured of legit jobs, secured under partnerships with the Government. All qualified candidates had new salary accounts opened at Equity Bank with the initial charges covered by the Government. Successful applicants will receive weekly updates during the 2–3 month processing period with departures expected by August 2025.
All Kenyans are urged to be cautious and report any suspicious activity related to Kazi Majuu recruitments to the Ministry of Labour Hotline: +254 20 315 001. Applicants are advised to use only official channels like the Kazi Majuu Diaspora portal or the Youth Fund government website.
