Mombasa: Over 500 youth from the Coast region have appealed to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to intervene after months of delay in the overseas job placements under the Kazi Majuu programme. The youths, who were recruited and processed by Zawadi Jobs Abroad Limited, say they have waited for over six months without travel, despite taking loans and submitting their passports to the agency as part of the agreed procedures.

According to Kenya News Agency, the group is appealing to Labour CS Alfred Mutua to address the issue, citing financial strains and lack of communication from the agency. Saada Imran, a resident of Mombasa County, expressed that the prolonged delay has left many of them financially burdened and mentally distressed. They were assured of traveling within three months after application, but it has now been more than half a year.

Imran further explained that repeated attempts to get updates from the agency have been futile, with officials giving false promises and avoiding addressing the concerns raised. Najla Ibrahim, also from Mombasa, said the group was instructed to apply for Youth Fund loans of up to Sh200,000, which she later deposited into the agency's bank account under the name Zawadi Jobs Abroad Ltd. Applicants paid about Sh181,300 each to the agency for processing and placement.

Ibrahim emphasized that they have also missed local job opportunities, having banked on the chance to work abroad. She requested government intervention, stating that if there are no opportunities, the agency should return their passports in good condition and refund the money to the Youth Fund so they can seek help from other credible agencies.

Nuru Hassan mentioned that the agency initially assured applicants they would fly by August. Many of them are graduates without employment who took loans believing the opportunities were genuine. Hassan urged fellow youths and relevant authorities to help amplify their voices.

Saida Muhammed from Kilifi echoed these concerns, noting that most of them had pinned their future on the programme. She stated that they believed they would travel and work, but now they are stranded, seeking government assistance to ensure they receive their rights.