The Labour Ministry has intensified investigations into recruitment agencies, revealing that about 390 firms are under scrutiny for fraudulent practices and unlawful hiring processes targeting Kenyans seeking work abroad.
Speaking on Tuesday, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said a task force formed last year has completed investigations into 15 cases, which have now been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for action.
“Those whose names or companies have swindled Kenyans are not registered with the National Employment Agency, and some are not even registered with the Bureau of Business Registration,” Mutua stated.
The CS disclosed that law enforcement is also tracking a couple accused of diverting Sh18 million in government funds intended to support overseas job placements for personal gain.
He warned that some recruitment companies are quickly going to court to secure conservatory orders, which prevent the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) from making arrests or continuing investigations.
“There are some companies that rush to court and obtain conservatory orders so that the DCI cannot arrest them or investigate further. It is important to know that there are unscrupulous people taking advantage of our citizens, and that is where the government has been giving advisory after advisory on how to look for Kazi Majuu jobs,” he added.
Mutua urged youth to ensure any agency they interact with is registered with the National Employment Authority before paying fees or entering agreements.
“Please let us avoid unscrupulous and unregistered persons. If the deal is too good to be true, then it is a lie. If somebody offers you a big job somewhere, please investigate if that person is listed, if the job is uploaded on the National Employment Agency website, which is accessible 24 hours, then avoid that person,” he said.
“Do not give money to individuals. Deal only with registered companies. Before paying any money, make sure the company is registered with the National Employment Agency and that the job they are offering is already on the website.”
Kazi Majuu, the initiative at the center of the investigations, aims to help Kenyan youth secure jobs overseas by connecting them with foreign employers and offering financial support, mainly through Youth Fund loans for travel and start-up costs.
Despite its good intentions, the program has faced criticism, with reports of scams, delayed employment, and youth left in debt after paying agencies that failed to deliver jobs.
