The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has exposed a fraudulent overseas recruitment scheme that targeted three Kenyan jobseekers, revealing the use of forged government documents, an unlicensed intermediary, and invalid work visas for Oman.
The ministry’s investigation, released on January 30, 2026, shows that Jeneffer, Matilda, and Caroline were recruited through “an informal network rather than a registered agency,” highlighting the dangers of illegal migration and the risk of exploitation.
According to the report, the process was coordinated by an individual operating under the name Elijah’s Ticketing Tours, who admitted to handling ticketing and reservations without a recruitment licence.
The alleged foreign recruiter, identified as Mohamed, is said to be based in Oman. The intermediary also cited a supposed government liaison, “Mr. Raphael at the Ministry of Labour,” who was allegedly responsible for labour clearance and contract attestation.
However, the ministry’s verification revealed that the claim was false. “Verification with the Ministry’s Attestation Department confirmed that no officer by the name of Mr. Raphael exists within that unit,” the report stated. Officials also found that stamps on the recruitment documents were forged, further proving an intentional attempt to bypass legal migration procedures.
Checks on the Oman e-Visa Portal confirmed that the three jobseekers had no valid work visas, rendering the planned travel illegal. The investigation emphasized that the absence of a registered Kenyan recruitment agency left the candidates “exposed to being conned,” increasing their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation abroad.
The ministry described the entire process as fraudulent, noting it relied on “forged Ministry of Labour clearances and unauthorized ticketing agents to bypass legal migration protocols.” Authorities have called on the people behind the scheme to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), warning that summonses will be issued to track and arrest those who fail to comply.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua, urged Kenyans seeking overseas jobs to exercise caution. “Before engaging anyone on Kazi Majuu, please undertake basic research and due diligence,” he said, advising jobseekers to verify agencies through the National Employment Authority and official government channels.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting Kenyan workers and cracking down on fraudulent recruitment networks that exploit vulnerable jobseekers, warning that illegal schemes like this carry serious legal and personal risks.
