Uasin Gishu: Youths Stranded After Arriving for Non-Existent Government Jobs
Hundreds of job-seeking youths in Uasin Gishu faced crushing disappointment after arriving at Eldoret Polytechnic for a recruitment drive that never existed. The hopeful applicants had traveled long distances, some even selling their belongings to afford the journey, only to be turned away by security guards on Thursday, February 6.
According to the job seekers, the recruitment had reportedly been announced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, currently under Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua. However, upon arrival, they were informed that no such exercise was taking place.
Youths Decry Government Negligence
Speaking to Citizen Digital, many of the stranded youths expressed frustration and anger, calling out the ministry for misleading them. They urged President William Ruto to intervene and clarify whether the recruitment was a genuine government initiative or a fraudulent scheme.
“Some of us have come from far, and our parents had to sell chickens just to get us bus fare. Can President William Ruto address this issue? Is it real, or is it fake?” one youth lamented.
Many felt betrayed by the government’s failure to follow through on job postings made on official platforms.
Mutua’s Apology for Past Job Scams
This incident comes just months after CS Mutua issued a public apology to Kenyan youths who had fallen victim to fraudulent job recruitment agencies. Speaking in November 2024 at the Rift Valley National Polytechnic in Nakuru, Mutua acknowledged the financial and emotional distress caused by such scams.
He assured that the government had revoked licenses of agencies involved in deception and vowed that such fraudulent activities would not happen again. However, the latest incident in Eldoret has left many wondering whether history is repeating itself.
Government’s Overseas Job Initiative Under Fire
The government had launched an initiative to connect 20,000 job seekers with opportunities in the Middle East, Europe, Canada, and Australia. The exercise had reportedly taken place successfully in Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, and Nakuru. The plan was to proceed to Baringo and Nyandarua by the end of November 2024.
However, skepticism among the youth remains high. Many feel abandoned and question the authenticity of the process.
Mutua Defends Government’s Efforts
CS Mutua has been vocal in defending the initiative, criticizing Kenyans who oppose overseas job placements. He argued that those speaking against the program are already employed and do not understand the struggles of jobless youth.
“Sending Kenyans abroad will increase remittances and help young people gain valuable skills,” Mutua insisted. He also assured that TVET institutions were adjusting their programs to meet foreign employers’ needs.
Despite these promises, the recent chaos in Eldoret paints a different picture, leaving thousands of job-seeking youths questioning whether they can truly trust the government’s promises.
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Uasin Gishu: Youths Stranded After Arriving for Non-Existent Government Jobs
