Shamini 
(C): Freepik
The Kenyan government has formally launched its labour export plan by deploying its first set of 50 workers to Russia, where they will earn a Ksh 115,000 monthly take-home salary. The workers will be employed in a food packing factory and represent a larger agenda to solve unemployment and give Kenyans job opportunities abroad.
The group departed on June 25, 2025, as stated by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua. The Uwezo Fund has taken care of the costs of travelling and their cost of services, which aims to support unemployed youth, and has repaid the fund through deductions from the workers’ salaries.
“They will be earning a take-home salary of Ksh 115,000 a month, with free accommodation and food provided,” said Mutua.
A Fresh Start for Kenyan Workers
For many, it is a moment of personal history. The workers have been without a job for a lengthy period of time and expressed their deep appreciation to the Government of Kenya and recruitment agency YUMNA for an honest and ethical recruitment process. When the workers arrived in Moscow, they received a welcome reception at the Kenyan Embassy and were welcomed by Kenya’s Ambassador in Russia, Peter Mathuki.
Mutua encouraged the workers to save their salaries to take home and think ahead into their financial future by planning accordingly.
Controversy Over Kazi Majuu Selection
However, the project has received criticism, even though it is a huge milestone. The Parliamentary Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers noted bias for the region, reporting that only three counties – Machakos, Makueni and Kitui – qualified for the placements so far.
The NEA stated that it was not involved in the process of selecting candidates and that the applicants were not ultimately selected through the NEA’s online platform. It is expected that CS Mutua will appear before the committee to clarify these matters.
