CS Alfred Mutua Says 450 Kenyans Leave Daily for Jobs Abroad During NYOTA Capital Release

Photo: CS Alfred Mutua/X

An average of between 450 and 500 Kenyans are leaving the country daily to take up employment abroad, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said on Monday, highlighting the scale of labour migration even as the government steps up efforts to expand local enterprise opportunities.

Speaking at the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital disbursement ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Mutua said more than 530,000 Kenyans are currently working outside the country. 

He added that the total number of Kenyans who have secured overseas employment now stands at about 538,000, driven by growing demand for Kenyan labour in foreign markets.

The event, presided over by President William Ruto, brought together thousands of young people from Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties who received start-up capital under the NYOTA Programme. 

The initiative is part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment through access to financing, skills development, mentorship and market linkages.

Mutua said the government is pursuing a dual approach of promoting self-employment at home while ensuring that Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad are protected from exploitation. 

He warned that cases of fraud and abuse have prompted tighter regulation of recruitment agencies involved in overseas job placements.

To address these risks, the CS said all agencies recruiting for foreign employment are required to advertise their vacancies on the National Employment Authority (NEA) portal. 

He urged job seekers to verify both the agencies and job offers through the official platform before making payments or travel arrangements.

According to Mutua, the measures are aimed at ensuring labour migration is safe, legal and orderly, while safeguarding Kenyans from unscrupulous brokers. 

He said the government will continue monitoring recruitment processes closely as overseas employment remains a significant source of income and livelihoods for many households.

At the same time, he noted that programmes such as NYOTA are designed to reduce pressure on the job market by supporting youth-led businesses and expanding economic opportunities within the country.