Alfred Mutua warns youth against using visitor visas to seek jobs abroad
By Cynthia Lodite, February 6, 2026Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has warned Kenyan youths against using visitor visas to seek job opportunities abroad, warning of potential scamming by some recruiting agencies.
Speaking during the NYOTA Capital disbursement event in Malindi, Kilifi County, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, CS Mutua sought to address mounting concerns over Kenyans being lured with fake overseas job offers.
At the time, the Labour CS went on to explain that some Kenyans who were reportedly duped ended up in the Russia-Ukraine war.
He went on advising Kenyan job seekers to reach out to the government, providing a number to dial for proper advice and guidance towards seeking jobs overseas.
“Also, contact 08002222223, and you’ll speak to someone who can advise you accordingly. Some people have been taken on a visitor’s visa, while the government takes Kenyans on an employment visa.”
Mutua further appealed to the public to conduct proper research about the company and ascertain the job opportunity via the National Employment Authority (NEA) website to ascertain its credibility.
“Let’s be careful if you’re offered any job opportunity abroad because many scammers are seeking to lure young Kenyans. Kindly visit the National Employment Authority website, which lists all companies contracted to provide global employment opportunities. If the job listed isn’t on the website, know that you’ve been lied to,” he noted.
Kenyans in Russia
Mutua’s remarks come amid recent reports that more than 200 Kenyans have joined the Russian military since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
According to Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, the state continues to receive distress inquiries from affected families.
“Reports suggest that over two hundred Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, with some being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” Mudavadi said during a press address in November 2025.
Also adding, “It is estimated that recruitment networks are still active in both Kenya and Russia. The Kenyan embassy in Moscow has reported injuries among nationals and others stranded after attempting recruitment in the war efforts.”
Mudavadi cited a September 2025 raid in Athi River, where security agencies found 21 Kenyans housed and awaiting deployment to the warzone. One agent was arrested for coordinating the recruitment under the guise of overseas jobs.
The individuals were reportedly promised up to Ksh2.3 million for visas, travel, and accommodation but were misled about the work involved, including assembling drones, handling chemicals, and painting without proper training or protective gear.
Mudavadi warned that Kenyans must protect relatives from such exploitation. He stressed the importance of using vetted recruitment agencies and the National Employment Agency (NEA) for overseas job opportunities. NEA regulates recruitment agencies, ensures pre-departure training, and safeguards workers’ welfare.