Arise Media 
BY MUGO MWANIKI
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has strongly criticized the government’s emphasis on diaspora jobs, arguing that the lack of a guiding policy has led to exploiting Kenyan workers abroad.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Centre of Excellence Digital ICT Hub (Jitume) at Manyatta DCC grounds, Ruguru Ngandori ward, Mukunji urged the government to prioritize youth empowerment through local digital initiatives instead of sending citizens abroad without proper protections.
“The government continues to emphasize sending Kenyans abroad for jobs, but this has become a pathway to exploitation for many due to the absence of a clear policy to protect our citizens,” Mukunji said.
He cited a disturbing case of a Kenyan woman in Asia who was forced into demeaning conditions, blaming the government for failing to safeguard its citizens working overseas.
Mukunji also highlighted the case of Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan woman sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking, claiming she was a victim of an agent who planted drugs in her bag.
He criticized the government’s lack of a structured policy to protect Kenyans abroad and condemned the country’s reliance on foreign nations to intervene in such cases.
“It is shameful that we have to plead for another country to save our citizens. This is a result of our failure to protect our people and ensure their safety abroad,” Mukunji added.
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He lauded the ICT hub initiative, which will provide 200 computers and training programs to equip young people with digital skills and access to online jobs, calling it a sustainable alternative to overseas employment.
Additionally, Mukunji criticized the mismanagement of the government’s Hustler Fund, calling for its reallocation to the Uwezo Fund and Youth Fund to better serve young people and marginalized communities.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the exploitation of Kenyans in foreign employment and the need for stronger domestic initiatives to support economic empowerment.
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