Mutua Cracks Down on Rogue Recruiters Exploiting Kenyans Seeking Qatar Jobs

Mutua Vows to Stamp Out Dodgy Recruiters Preying on Kenyans Seeking Qatar Jobs

By Reuben Muisonik, Political Editor, The Dispatch Digital

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Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua is taking a hardline stance on illegal job recruiters exploiting Kenyans desperate for work abroad. Following an agreement with Qatar to send 8,000 Kenyans to work there, the government is launching a crackdown on rogue agents after multiple scams surfaced at recruitment centres in Kabete and KICC.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday, Mutua highlighted the dishonest practices of some agents attempting to prey on job seekers during the government-led Qatar job recruitment exercise.

“On the first day at KICC, we had agents charging Ksh100,000 and taking passports with false promises,” Mutua revealed. The CS stated that authorities even found a vehicle loaded with 40 passports—a stark reminder of the exploitation many Kenyans face.

Government Steps In to Safeguard Kenyans

Mutua assured Kenyans that the government is putting structures in place to weed out unscrupulous recruiters and ensure only verified agencies can operate.

“They see this as an opportunity to make money. But under the Ruto administration, while I’m CS, we won’t allow our people to be conned and driven to desperation,” he declared, promising to clean up the industry.

While determined to crack down on fraudulent operators, Mutua acknowledged that some agencies have upheld ethical practices and worked to protect Kenyan workers abroad. He plans to work with reputable agencies to help improve job access across the nation, especially for those outside Nairobi.

Expanding Job Access Nationwide

In response to concerns that many Kenyans can’t reach Nairobi for recruitment, Mutua revealed that regional recruitment centres would be set up across the country starting in November and December, allowing all Kenyans equal access to Qatar job opportunities.

“We’re going to tell agencies to bring their documentation, so we can partner and take this process across Kenya,” Mutua said, affirming that the government aims to create a safer and more transparent recruitment process.

With additional 5,000 job opportunities expected to open up, Mutua’s initiative could prove a lifeline for many Kenyans. He expressed optimism about creating international job opportunities while decentralising hiring efforts across the country.

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Scammer Snaps Photos with Ruto and Top Govt Officials in Germany as Ksh 720M Job Scam Unravels

By REUBEN MUISONIK

In a jaw-dropping scandal, a dodgy job recruiter at the centre of a Ksh 720 million jobs scam was caught mingling with top government officials during President William Ruto’s recent trip to Germany – and the photos are raising more than a few eyebrows!

Meet Ceaser Wagicheru King’ori, the man behind Vintmark Travel Agency Ltd, a company accused of swindling hundreds of Kenyans out of their hard-earned cash with false promises of overseas jobs in Germany and Canada. King’ori’s scheme allegedly conned desperate job seekers by offering dream opportunities abroad that turned out to be nothing but a cruel hoax.

A Web of Lies

The scandal first blew up last year when King’ori’s name surfaced during an investigation into a fraudulent jobs racket involving flashy city pastor James Wanjohi, head of Jesus Culture Ministries Church. Wanjohi was accused of masterminding a Ksh 600 million scam, luring desperate Kenyans with fake overseas jobs.

The victims were promised lucrative placements but were left high and dry after forking out between Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 140,000. To make matters worse, many of them were hit with visa bans from the Canadian Embassy after submitting fake information provided by the scammers.

From Scandal to Stradom in Germany?

While Wanjohi took most of the heat initially, complaints against King’ori and his company quickly piled up at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Yet, instead of being brought to justice, King’ori somehow ended up rubbing shoulders with the high and mighty in Germany during President Ruto’s recent diplomatic visit aimed at securing legit overseas job placements for Kenyans.

Despite not being an official part of the delegation, King’ori managed to crash the party, snapping photos with none other than Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua at the signing of a major labour agreement in Berlin. These pictures, which quickly went viral, sparked outrage as King’ori’s victims watched their tormentor appear alongside the very people working to secure legitimate job opportunities abroad.

The Bigger The Scam, The Harder They Fall?

Investigators say King’ori’s tactics have become bolder as he continues to dodge accountability. When summoned for questioning last week by the DCI, King’ori cheekily claimed he was too busy in Germany and even shared a selfie with a Cabinet Secretary as proof of his whereabouts!

A top investigator fumed: “It’s like King’ori has become untouchable. He flaunts his connections while victims of his scam are left in the cold.”

The Victim’s Nightmare

The fallout from King’ori’s elaborate scam has left hundreds of Kenyans devastated. Victims like Samuel Kamando, Paul Mbatia, and Mary Wangari shared their horror stories of handing over Ksh 150,000 each, expecting to land jobs in Canada and the UK, only to be left empty-handed.

One victim, Matshediso Ndhlovu, said she paid Ksh 130,000 for a promised job in the UK, but instead of a life-changing opportunity, she was left penniless and heartbroken.

Nsimire Mindinga, who also forked out Ksh 150,000 for a job in Canada, said: “We were fed a bunch of lies. Now, I’m left with nothing.”

Ooutrage Gorws

The outrage online has reached fever pitch, with social media users slamming the government for allowing King’ori to get so close to top officials during such a high-profile diplomatic visit. Many are calling for a full investigation and demanding justice for the hundreds of victims left ruined by the fraudulent scheme.

With President Ruto’s Germany visit meant to provide hope for genuine job opportunities, King’ori’s sneaky presence has cast a shadow over the entire affair. The pressure is now on authorities to bring him to book – before more lives are destroyed.

Will this slippery scammer finally be caught? Or will he keep dodging justice, all while rubbing elbows with Kenya’s top brass? Stay tuned for the next shocking twist!

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EACC Launches Systems Review to Combat Corruption at NSSF

In a decisive move to curb corruption within Kenya’s public institutions, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has initiated a systems examination of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The goal of this review is to identify weaknesses and loopholes in the organization’s policies and procedures that could potentially enable corrupt practices and unethical conduct.

This proactive anti-corruption measure was spearheaded by EACC Commissioner John Ogallo, alongside NSSF Board Chairperson David Kariuki Njeru and Chief Executive Officer David Koros. The systems review aims to tighten internal controls and improve the transparency and efficiency of NSSF operations, which play a critical role in managing the country’s social security contributions.

The law empowers the EACC to conduct such reviews autonomously or upon request by public entities, making this action part of a broader strategy to promote integrity and accountability in Kenya’s public sector. This effort is a step forward in strengthening governance at NSSF, which oversees billions in pension funds and serves a wide segment of the Kenyan workforce.

Two Cabinet Secretaries Overhaul Ministries, Dismiss Officials

By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER

Two Cabinet Secretaries have introduced significant changes in their ministries, resulting in the dismissal of several senior officials.

In a notice published on 6th September 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for the Treasury announced the removal of four trustees from the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust. The dismissed officials included Martha Opisa Okochil, Louis Karisa, Ruth Jerotich, and Tom Okundi. The newly appointed trustees are Irene Githiga, representing the Federation of Matatu Drivers and Conductors Association; Kevin Bwire Mubadi from the Kenya National Boda Boda Association; Joseph Kisoro Ogola from the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Association; and Teresia Njenga from the Mitumba Association. These appointments will run for a three-year term, beginning on 6th September 2024, according to the official Gazette notice.

Simultaneously, the Cabinet Secretary for Lands announced changes to the Lamu West Land Control Board, dismissing eight members. The removed officials include Julia Wamboi Njuguna, Ali Omar Mohammed, Simon Muguro Mwarania, Julia Wamaitha Kimani, John Mbugua Njoka, Zeinabu Gobu Wako, James Muriithi Ngiriri, and Cecilia Wanjiku Ng’ang’a. The newly appointed members are Samoe Farouk Fadhil, Moses Kiarie Wanjiku, Omar Bakari Ibrahim, Nasra Abdurehman Omar, Biha Wanje Baya, Maalim Fadhili Maalim, and Abubakar Masoud Rashid. This team will serve for a term of two years and six months, effective from 6th September 2024.

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Kenya’s Controversial New University Funding Model: Unpopular, Unrealistic, and Inequitable

By REUBEN MUSONIK, THE DISPATCH DIGITAL, NAIROBI

Kenya’s new university funding model, introduced by the government in an attempt to democratize access to higher education, has sparked a nationwide wave of outrage and frustration. Despite claims of equity and fairness, the new framework has faced heavy criticism from students, parents, and education experts who view the model as unrealistic and likely to worsen economic inequalities in the country’s education system.

Understanding the New Funding Model

The new system moves away from the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model, which linked government funding to the number of students and the type of courses offered. Under the DUC, both academic and technical courses received funding based on cost assessments, while universities maintained a degree of financial independence. The government has now introduced a needs-based approach that divides students into financial categories through a Means Testing Instrument (MTI), which is supposed to assess household income and allocate scholarships and loans accordingly.

In this model, the government has promised to cover up to 53% of education costs for the most vulnerable students, while wealthier students will receive funding for about 38% of their expenses. The remaining costs will be filled by household contributions and government loans. This shift, while initially appearing to be a positive step toward fairness, has failed to address the growing concerns of accessibility and affordability.

Why the Model Is Unpopular and Unrealistic

Exacerbating Economic Inequality

Rather than solving the economic disparity in access to education, the new funding model risks deepening it. Students from middle-income households, who do not qualify as the most vulnerable, may find themselves unable to meet the high tuition fees. Unlike wealthier families, they cannot afford to cover the remaining costs after receiving the limited government support. This group is caught between insufficient government aid and an inability to afford private education loans or pay out-of-pocket, effectively pushing them into deeper financial distress.

Ineffective and Error-Prone Means Testing

The new funding model depends heavily on the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) to determine students’ financial needs. However, the instrument has been criticized for its lack of accuracy, with reports of students being placed into income brackets that do not reflect their true financial circumstances. Inaccurate classifications could lead to students losing out on crucial funding, forcing them to drop out of school or take on crippling debt. These errors highlight a major flaw in the government’s system, suggesting that a more reliable method of assessing financial need is required.

Financial Burden Shifts to Families

Many parents and guardians are expressing frustration at the increased financial pressure under the new system. With the government covering only a portion of the fees for all but the most vulnerable, families are expected to fill in the financial gaps. This translates to higher loans or more out-of-pocket expenses. For some, this means choosing between providing for their basic needs or keeping their children in university. Consequently, the new model may deter students from pursuing higher education altogether, especially those who cannot afford to take on more debt.

Inspired by a Flawed Economic Strategy

The model’s introduction is tied to the government’s effort to manage the ballooning debt crisis in Kenyan universities, many of which are struggling financially. Over the years, universities have experienced budget cuts, leading to increased fees for students. In response, the government has been looking for ways to reduce public expenditure on education. While this may be fiscally prudent from the government’s standpoint, it comes at the expense of thousands of students who rely on affordable higher education to advance their prospects.

This attempt to reduce public funding to universities while simultaneously increasing tuition fees has been described by some critics as short-sighted, as it fails to account for the long-term impact of limiting access to education for lower- and middle-income students.

Public Backlash

Since the announcement of the new funding model, protests have erupted in universities across the country. Students have decried the model as both discriminatory and unconstitutional, claiming that it goes against Kenya’s commitment to providing equal access to education. Online platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), have seen students and parents express their anger and frustration. Many believe that this funding model will not only deepen economic inequality but also create an education system where only the wealthiest can afford quality education.

Political leaders and social commentators have also weighed in, suggesting that the funding model is ripe for corruption. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of well-connected individuals using their influence to manipulate the Means Testing Instrument, enabling them to receive higher government subsidies while those genuinely in need are left struggling.

Government officials have stood firm in their defense of the new model, calling it a “progressive” approach aimed at ensuring the most vulnerable students receive the most support. However, in response to the growing unrest, the government has made some promises to address issues with the MTI and ensure that no student is turned away due to an inability to pay fees.

Despite these assurances, the widespread skepticism remains, as many believe that these “adjustments” are too little, too late. The government has also urged students to continue reporting to universities while issues are being resolved, though this has done little to quell fears.

This new funding model is not just a financial issue—it highlights deeper problems within Kenya’s education policy, including the nation’s struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with social equity. The controversy over the funding model also raises broader questions about governance, transparency, and the role of government in providing public services.

The unfolding debate points to a critical moment in Kenya’s higher education system. It signals a potential shift in how public education is perceived: is it a right that should be accessible to all, or a privilege afforded only to those who can afford it?

As protests continue and the academic year progresses, pressure is mounting on the government to revise the model to better reflect the realities of Kenya’s economic landscape. Stakeholders across the board—from students to university administrators—are pushing for a funding structure that is not only fiscally sustainable but also just and equitable.

Whether the government will introduce substantial changes to the model remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of Kenya’s education system is at a critical crossroads, with this funding debate set to define the nation’s educational policy for years to come.

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Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko Defies Court, Advertises Illegal and Non-Existent Jobs

By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL TEAM

In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko has openly defied court orders by advertising jobs that have been declared illegal and non-existent. The announcement, published in a local daily on Wednesday, advertised positions already filled by existing officers, raising questions about Ayacko’s motives and authority to replace them without due process.

The positions include Directors of Public Health, Trade, Lands and Housing, Education, Internal Audit Services, and Assistant Director of Public Communication, along with 5 vacancies for Sub-County Administrators. Alarmingly, Ayacko has also purportedly created a new position of Senior Sub-County Administrator, a role not provided for under the County Government Act 2012, Section 51, further underscoring the illegality of his actions. That latter position is not provided for in the Act and has also not been crated by the County Pubic Service Board as there’s no such board in place, the one he appointed illegally and forcefully having been suspended through a court decision.

Critics argue that this job announcement is part of Ayacko’s strategy to shore up political support in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Since his election, the governor has been working to replace officers who were hired under the previous administration of Okoth Obado, with claims that he intends to install his loyalists. Local observers suggest Ayacko is engaging in a personal vendetta to erase Obado’s influence in Migori County.

“Ayacko seems more focused on removing his predecessor’s appointees rather than delivering services to the people of Migori,” remarked political analyst Mark Oduor. He warned residents to avoid applying for the advertised positions, as anyone appointed could face legal challenges and possible dismissal without compensation.

The county’s Public Service Board (CPSB), which is responsible for creating and abolishing positions within the county, is currently non-functional after Ayacko controversially ousted its members. A court ruling has since barred the board members he appointed from performing its duties until the matter is resolved. With no CPSB in place, Ayacko lacks the authority to establish or fill new positions.

Youth activist Omondi Marvin Paul condemned Ayacko’s move, criticizing the misuse of public resources to advertise illegal jobs. “How much public resources are wasted on these hogwash advertisements?” Paul questioned in a viral Facebook post, as public outcry grew over the misuse of public funds for what many deem a politically motivated stunt.

Despite mounting criticism, the Migori County Assembly and the region’s eight MPs have remained silent, a move that has raised concerns about their allegiance and willingness to hold the governor accountable. Many believe the Assembly is under Ayacko’s control, with members intimidated into silence or submission.

As the situation unfolds, residents are left questioning whether Governor Ayacko’s focus is on political survival rather than serving the public. His decision to advertise these controversial positions casts doubt on his commitment to lawful governance and effective public service.

Read also:

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Wanga, Ayacko Should Build factories, Not Vanity Office Projects  

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