Hundreds of youths in Uasin Gishu County were left disappointed and stranded outside Eldoret National Polytechnic today after a foreign recruitment exercise, advertised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, was abruptly canceled.
The youths, many of whom had arrived as early as 5 a.m., were turned away by security officers at the entrance. They were informed that there was no information regarding the recruitment event, leaving them confused and frustrated. The event had been promoted on the Ministry's official website, leading many to believe it would be a legitimate opportunity to secure foreign employment.
Chepkarai Marius, a youth from Kesses Sub-County, voiced his displeasure at the situation, accusing the Ministry of misleading the public. “The government should not frustrate the very youths it claims to be helping,” Marius said. “We were given hope, but now it’s shattered. The opportunity for foreign employment seemed like a light at the end of the tunnel, but now it feels like a distant dream.”
The disappointment was palpable among the crowd, many of whom saw this recruitment drive as a chance to escape the growing unemployment crisis in the country. The event's cancellation has only added to their worries, deepening concerns about the lack of opportunities for young people in the region.
While the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has not yet issued an official statement, the youths are demanding clarity on the situation. They are calling for a rescheduled event or, at the very least, an explanation for the abrupt cancellation.
As the government remains silent, the frustrations of these youths continue to grow, with many fearing that such setbacks will only exacerbate the country’s already pressing unemployment crisis.
