Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), has once again sounded the alarm over Kenya’s overseas labour practices, intensifying his longstanding demand for the dissolution of the National Employment Authority (NEA), which he accuses of enabling what he calls “modern-day slavery.”
On Monday, May 19, Atwoli took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to condemn the growing trend of Kenyan youth being exported to foreign nations under poorly regulated employment programs. He expressed deep concern about the absence of adequate protections for workers, particularly those bound for the Gulf region.
“This is a national disgrace. We cannot continue allowing our sons and daughters to be shipped abroad under systems that exploit and endanger them,” Atwoli declared.
Atwoli criticized the NEA for operating without sufficient oversight and accountability, saying it has become a rogue institution. According to him, the authority collaborates with unscrupulous recruitment agencies that routinely send Kenyan domestic workers into hazardous environments—especially in countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar—without ensuring their safety and dignity.
“The NEA is no longer serving its purpose. It functions as an agent of modern slavery, enabling private agents who traffic our people into situations where they are treated as property,” he said.
He urged the government to immediately dissolve the NEA and reassign its responsibilities to the Ministry of Labour, where stronger regulation and ethical labour migration policies could be enforced.
In a bold move, Atwoli called for an immediate ban on the exportation of domestic and unskilled workers, particularly to the Gulf countries where reports of abuse have become disturbingly frequent. He cited countless testimonies of Kenyan workers who face inhumane working conditions, physical abuse, and virtual imprisonment under the controversial Kafala system.
“We’ve seen the heartbreaking reports—young women coming back in coffins, others begging for help on social media. These are not isolated incidents. This is systemic exploitation,” Atwoli emphasized.
Beyond suspending international labour exports, Atwoli insisted that the long-term solution lies in revitalizing Kenya’s domestic economy. He challenged the government to channel resources into job creation at home and support the growth of industries that can absorb the rising number of unemployed youth.
“Kenya should not be in the business of exporting its labour force. We must prioritize building sustainable industries that can provide our youth with dignified employment within our borders,” he said.
Atwoli reflected on Kenya’s past economic strength, noting the country’s former position as the leading economy in East Africa—an achievement that has since been eclipsed by Ethiopia.
“There was a time Kenya proudly led the region in economic development. Today, we’ve lost that edge. It’s time we return to sound economic strategies that attract investment and generate jobs,” he added.
He concluded his remarks with a stern reminder to policymakers: “Our national pride, our youth, and our future are at stake. We cannot afford to continue down this path.”
