Foreign and Diaspora Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned Kenyan youths looking for jobs in foreign countries against engaging bogus and unregistered agencies, citing security concerns.
Mudavadi said while the government is supportive of labour migration, as exemplified by its Kazi Majuu programme, some Kenyans have been duped into signing contracts only to end up in war zones as fighters.
"I would like to take this opportunity to ask our youth, when you want to go out in search of employment in various foreign countries, use the Ministry of Labour, National Employment Agency and Diaspora Department. We want you to go and work in a safe environment, in a peaceful environment and earn with your security guaranteed," he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary spoke during Labour Day celebrations held at Chavakali High School in Vihiga county.
He said Kenya has lost many youths in foreign countries after some were enlisted deceptively to fight for other countries despite lacking any prior military training.
"Please use the government institutions so that we can help you to ensure that you go to a safe working environment. We have lost young people in Russia and Myanmar in the so-called golden triangle," he said.
As of early April 2026, over 250 Kenyan citizens have been identified as having been recruited to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine, with many lured by deceptive job offers, high salaries, and promises of Russian citizenship.
Following intense public pressure, Mudavadi travelled to Moscow, where he secured an agreement with the Russian government to cease further recruitment and has initiated repatriation efforts for citizens still trapped in the warzone.
At least three Kenyans are currently held as prisoners of war by Ukrainian forces, at least 16 are currently missing in action, while 38 were reported hospitalised with injuries, many in restricted access facilities.
The government has closed over 600 recruitment agencies suspected of facilitating human trafficking and misleading job seekers as the government works to repatriate Kenyans wanting to return.
Over 100 Kenyans were reported to be trapped in scam compounds in Myanmar, with a significant number having been rescued and others still serving prison sentences.
Over 350 Kenyans were rescued between October 2025 and March 2026 from forced labour camps; dozens of others are believed to still be stranded at the Thailand–Myanmar border.
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