More than 100 Kenyans who had applied for overseas jobs under the Kazi Majuu programme by the Ministry of Labuor have left the country.

The group which departed on Sunday are set to take up employment opportunities in the construction sector.

In a statement following their departure, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the group flew out to take up jobs in several countries including Iraq, Qatar, Russia, Dubai and Serbia.

The CS who has lately been under fire owing to delays that saw applicants feeling duped, affirmed that even though the preparation took long, it was transparent and worth the wait.

“Their departure marks the beginning of a new chapter, one built on hope, determination, and months of preparation through a transparent and dignified process led by the Ministry of Labour,” said Mutua.

He also stressed that those who leave the country to take up jobs will also serve as Kenya’s ambassadors.

Speaking before their departure, some of the workers urged those awaiting their visa approvals to remain patient.

“To those still awaiting deployment, I urge continued patience. More opportunities are on the way as we expand our partnerships with countries around the world,” Mutua further added.

This development came just a day after the CS affirmed the success of the initiative, noting that several batches of workers have secured employment abroad, adding that many more are set to follow in the coming months.

Crying foul

As calls for patience intensify, applicants who received offer letters in November 2024 from a recruitment agency (Mallow Smarthires Limited) selected by the ministry are still crying foul, wondering why their batch -the first to apply- have not yet been given jobs despite confirmation.

“We have seen others leave but we have been waiting since November. So far, none of us who applied as plant operators or drivers have left the country and there is no communication yet,” said one applicant who applied as a plant operator and received an offer letter dated November 11, 2024. He requested anonymity for fear of victimisation

Another applicant expressed dissatisfaction with the process saying “ we don’t know what next for us plant operators who still haven’t got opportunities.”

However, a source from the ministry assured that they will get slots and should be patient

“These recruitments, especially in the construction sector usually have different stages. Most of those who applied will be needed in the finishing stages and so they usually leave in batches. Everyone will leave at an opportune time,” he noted.

The Labour ministry has been under fire over delays after a recruitment drive in Kabete in December 2024.