Former Chief Justice David Maraga has strongly criticized President William Ruto's government over its labour export program, particularly concerning jobs in Qatar reportedly paying up to Ksh200,000 per month. Maraga vowed to end the program if elected president, calling it "modern-day slavery" and arguing that the government should focus on creating opportunities at home.

• Maraga described the labour export as "against the very nature of elected governance," emphasizing concerns about a "depletion of Africa’s best talent."
• The criticism follows a New York Times article exposing alleged abuse and mistreatment of Kenyan workers in Gulf nations, with recruitment agencies reportedly profiting $1,000 (Ksh129,950) per worker.
• Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua dismissed abuse claims, highlighting high earning potential, such as 100 nurses for Qatar earning up to Ksh200,000, with projected 100,000 to 250,000 Kenyans securing jobs abroad next year.