Kenya continues to see a growing number of its citizens travelling abroad for work, with more than 538,000 leaving since 2022 and projections indicating that the figure could reach one million within the next year.
This comes as the Multi-Agency Taskforce on Travel Agency and Labour Fraud releases its six-month review of investigations into fraudulent overseas employment schemes.
The taskforce, which includes the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Attorney General’s Office, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), was created to identify, investigate, and prosecute both individuals and companies engaged in scamming job seekers.
The report indicates that 390 cases are under active investigation, with 116 directly involving travel agents accused of cheating Kenyans hoping to find work abroad. In addition, 15 case files have been completed and submitted to the DPP for review and potential prosecution.
“Some individuals and companies alleged to have defrauded Kenyans are not registered with the National Employment Authority (NEA) or the Business Registration Service (BRS). This constitutes an offence,” the taskforce update notes.
Among the resolved cases, Nachors Mutua Mwendwa received reimbursement from Cyprian Mwanzia, while Bonface Maina Mugo was repaid by Janet Wanjiku Mwangi. Cases still before the courts include Brian Reeves Obare, accused of obtaining money by false pretence; Pondi Collins of Zian Travel Agency; David Mwiti Konyanga; and Obonyo Edwin Omondi.
Some companies have secured court orders delaying prosecution, including Freemart Agency, owned by Bonaya Nyamwaga, and Vintmark Agency, linked to Catherine Wairimu Mugo, Kingori, and Caroline Wanja Mureithi.
“The DCI is investigating funds issued to Zawadi Jobs Abroad Ltd, Briven International, and Taushi Tours and Travel and summons have been issued to Vincent Omondi Oyugi and Rachael Njoki Kariuki, who are alleged to have misappropriated Sh18 million in Youth Fund monies. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is requested to inform the police,” the taskforce said.
Kenyans seeking work abroad are urged to avoid unregistered agents and to confirm all details via the NEA website before making payments. They have also been warned to travel only with employment visas, avoid paying through personal numbers, and refrain from paying in cash.
“Do not make any payment without a written agreement and official receipt. Parents are advised not to allow their children to travel for work without a valid employment visa, as they risk trafficking,” the taskforce stressed, encouraging job seekers to engage only NEA-registered agents.
The Ministry and Labour Mobility Desk remain the official channels for reporting suspicious companies or individuals. “Cases of agencies conning Kenyans have reduced. The Ministry will continue to clean up this sector and protect job seekers,” the taskforce concluded.
