Government Launch Crackdown on Rogue Recruiters to Protect Abroad Job Seekers

By Harrison Kivisu

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Nairobi, Kenya July 21, 2025: Kenyan government has launched a comprehensive crackdown on fraudulent labour recruitment agencies many of which are accused of swindling millions of shillings from unsuspecting citizens.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Labour headquarters, labour and social protection cabinet secretary Dr Alfred Mutua disclosed that the newly established Labour Mobility Multi-Agency Response Team has already received 84 formal complaints from 15 counties with a reported loss of Ksh17.3 million.

“What we are seeing is not just fraud—it is exploitation. These are criminal acts disguised as job offers,” he said. “Unscrupulous individuals are stealing not just money, but dreams, dignity, and futures. That is unacceptable and it ends now.”

Some of disclosures are reports of passports being withheld illegally for over a year, leaving victims stranded and hopeless.

The CS was emphatic: “Holding onto someone’s passport is not only unethical—it is illegal. We are taking this very seriously. Every passport must be surrendered immediately.”

A list of individuals and companies named in the complaints has already been handed to the directorate of criminal investigations (DCI).

“Failure to appear will trigger coercive measures, including arrest and prosecution. We are not issuing empty threats—action begins now.”

Previously stalled cases, according to him, are finally moving forward with many pending files bring forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to pave for imminent arrests and court proceedings.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. That is why I’m happy to report that prosecutions will now begin. Those who’ve taken advantage of our people will be held accountable.”

Despite the severity of the current crackdown, Dr Mutua was quick to clarify that most recruitment agencies are operating legally and successfully placing Kenyans in meaningful employment abroad.

“Let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. Over 400,000 Kenyans have secured overseas jobs in the last two years through legal channels,” he said.

“The number of complaints—less than 1,000—is just 0.25% of total deployments. Over 99.7% of workers have been placed safely and lawfully.”

The ministry issued renewed guidance to job seekers urging them to perform due diligence before engaging with recruitment agents.

“A job abroad is not a gamble. Do your homework. Confirm that your recruiter is licensed. And never agree to work on a tourist visa,” he said.

“To anyone who paid for a job that never came, to those waiting months or even years for a refund—come forward. We are here to help you. You will be heard, and you will be helped.”

Flanked by senior government officials, including labour principal secretary Shadrack Mwadime, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, DCI director Mohammed Amin, secretary public prosecutions Alloys Kemo, and NEA director of labour migration Joseph Njue, the CS pledged to stop any further incidents of fraud from recruitment agencies.

“This is a whole-of-government approach. From the Ministry of Labour to law enforcement to prosecution, we are working together to stamp out fraud and protect our people.”

In his closing remarks, he reiterated the Government’s unwavering dedication to safe and lawful labour migration.

“No Kenyan should ever be conned in pursuit of honest work. Under the leadership of President William Ruto, we will continue building a system that is fair, dignified, and secure.

We will not relent until every Kenyan seeking employment abroad is protected, empowered, and respected.”