COTU Boss Francis Atwoli Renews Calls to Dismantle National Employment Authority Over ‘Modern Slavery’ Claims

Francis Atwoli is once again speaking out about Kenya’s controversial labour export policies.

The COTU Secretary General is calling for the complete disbandment of the National Employment Authority (NEA), which he accuses of aiding modern-day slavery and conning desperate job seekers.

Atwoli, who has been a vocal critic of NEA for years, now wants the agency scrapped altogether, warning that it continues to send Kenyan workers abroad with little to no protection.

Atwoli Blames National Employment Authority for Enabling Worker Exploitation Abroad

On Monday, May 19, 2025, Francis Atwoli took to his verified X account to raise alarm over the ongoing export of Kenyan workers, especially domestic and unskilled labourers, to the Gulf region. According to Atwoli, this trend is putting vulnerable youth at risk of abuse, exploitation, and even death.

He directly blamed the National Employment Authority, saying it has failed to put proper systems in place to protect the rights of Kenyan workers abroad. Atwoli called the agency an “agent of modern slavery” and demanded it be dissolved immediately.

“The NEA operates without proper oversight. It collaborates with rogue recruitment agencies that care more about profit than people,” Atwoli wrote. “Many of our youth are shipped off to foreign countries where they are treated like slaves.”

Atwoli further proposed that the NEA’s duties be placed under the Ministry of Labour, where accountability would be higher and systems more transparent.

Kenyan Workers Face Inhumane Treatment in Gulf Countries

Atwoli’s concerns stem from the growing number of disturbing reports about Kenyan workers, particularly women, facing abuse in countries like Saudi Arabia. These workers often leave Kenya with hopes of a better life but end up trapped in unbearable situations.

“Many of our youth are forced to work for people who believe they own them,” Atwoli said. “You’ve all seen these stories on TV. They are treated like they have no rights.”

He urged the government to suspend all labour export agreements involving domestic and low-skilled workers. According to him, this is the only way to stop the cycle of abuse.

Rogue Agents Are Profiting at the Expense of Desperate Job Seekers

A major part of Atwoli’s criticism revolves around how NEA works with private employment agencies that promise jobs abroad but fail to inform recruits about the risks involved. Many Kenyans are conned into paying large sums of money to secure these jobs, only to find themselves in worse conditions than they left behind.

“These agents are nothing short of modern-day slave traders,” Atwoli said.

He stressed that the National Employment Authority has normalized these practices by turning a blind eye to the suffering of Kenyan workers overseas. Atwoli believes that NEA should have mechanisms to vet recruitment agencies and monitor the treatment of exported workers—but it does not.

National Employment Authority Must Shift Focus to Creating Local Jobs

Instead of sending its youth abroad, Atwoli believes Kenya should channel efforts into building a stronger local economy. He pointed out that Kenya was once the leader in East Africa economically, but poor policy choices have cost the country its edge.

“Until recently, we had the highest GDP in East Africa, even higher than Ethiopia’s,” Atwoli said. “Now, we’ve lost that advantage. We must go back to the drawing board.”

He urged the government to invest in local industries, boost manufacturing, and support small businesses. These efforts, he argued, would create more sustainable employment for young people.

“Exporting our workforce is not a long-term solution. It’s a sign of a failing system,” he said. “Let’s fix our economy and give our youth opportunities right here at home.”

Pressure Mounts on the Government to Act

Atwoli’s statements are not new, but his renewed call adds pressure on the government to review the operations of the National Employment Authority. Human rights activists and labour unions have echoed similar sentiments in the past.

Whether or not the government will act on these demands remains to be seen. But for now, Atwoli remains firm: Kenya must prioritize the dignity, safety, and future of its youth—not export them into danger.