Labour Nominee Promises 10,000 Jobs per Week for Kenyans Abroad

Alfred Mutua, the nominee for Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, yesterday presented his strategic vision to the Committee on Appointments.

His focus is on transforming labour migration for Kenyan workers, particularly those seeking employment in Gulf countries. Mutua's comprehensive plan aims to address the challenges faced by Kenyan workers abroad and improve their working conditions and opportunities. Central to Mutua's vision is the emphasis on understanding the legal frameworks of countries with which Kenya has labour agreements. He proposes enlisting lawyers from the Attorney General's office to study and comprehend these laws, ensuring that Kenyan workers are well-informed about their rights and obligations in foreign countries.

This initiative is crucial in addressing the current restrictions that have hindered employment opportunities and fair working conditions for Kenyans in the Gulf. To combat the issue of dishonest recruiters, Mutua suggests creating a government-curated website listing all authorized recruitment firms. This measure aims to protect job seekers from fraudulent recruiters and enable them to verify the legitimacy of employment agencies. By providing a reliable source of information, Mutua hopes to ensure that Kenyan workers receive suitable employment terms and security.

The nominee's ambitious plan also includes a significant increase in the number of Kenyans recruited for overseas jobs. Mutua proposes recruiting up to 10,000 people per week, urging members of parliament to prepare for recruitment drives at the constituency level. This constituency-led approach aims to provide fair opportunities across different regions of Kenya. During the vetting process, Mutua's previous achievements as the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Foreign Affairs were highlighted. His efforts in increasing tourism numbers and implementing a new compensation scheme for victims of human-wildlife conflict were particularly praised.

Under his tenure, the number of tourists visiting Kenya grew significantly, with expectations of up to three million visitors by the end of the year. The vetting also touched upon Mutua's wealth declaration, revealing a net worth of Sh 462 million, an increase from Sh 420 million in 2022. This growth is attributed to the rising value of his properties. While some past controversies were revisited during the process, Mutua defended his record, emphasizing his commitment to public service and improving the welfare of Kenyans.