Rogue Recruitment Agencies Exploitation Cases on the Rise in Mombasa

By George Oduor,

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

government has issued a strong warning to Kenyan s seek ing overseas jobs to deal only with licensed recruitment agencies to avoid falling victim to human trafficking.

Speaking during the “Foreign Policy Mashinani” forum at Bandari College in Mombasa on Wednesday, Ms Emma Gicheha, Director of the Welfare and Rights Divisi on, revealed that Mombasa is among the counties leading in cases of Kenyans being trafficked abroad.

“We have noted with concern that Mombasa is among the areas with the highest number of people being trafficked out of the country,” Ms. Gicheha said.

She urged job seekers to verify all recruitment agencies through the National Employment Authority (NEA), the only body mandated to register and regulate legitimate labour export agencies in Kenya.

“Some unscr upulous individuals are using WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, and other social media platforms to lure desperate Kenyans with fake job offers that end in human trafficking, forced labour, or even involvement in criminal activities and conflicts they know nothing about,” she added.

Ms. Gicheha cited cases where victims have been forced into crime or dragged into foreign wars after being trafficked under the guise of legitimate employment.

Gicheha also challenged county governments to actively engage the Kenyan diaspora to harness their skills, capital, and goodwill for local development.

“Kenyans in the diaspora are eager to invest back home and offer philanthropic support, but many lack information on available opportunities in their counties,” she said.

She gave the example of Kilifi and other counties, noting that diaspora Kenyans are willing to fund projects or transfer skills but often do not know where to start.

“We urge county governments to create structured platforms to link with the diaspora. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is ready to support these efforts,” she assured.

Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Ambassador Josphat Maikara, announced that the 2024 Foreign Policy document will prioritize key areas including technology, the blue economy, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

“As you know, the Coast region serves as the gateway to East Africa. We are endowed with abundant natural resources, and if properly harnessed, they will significantly boost Kenya’s economic growth,” he said.

Ambassador Maikara emphasized that the Directorate of Diaspora Affairs will leverage the new policy to position Kenya’s 47 counties as attractive investment destinations while advancing the country’s broader political interests abroad.

“Any foreign engagement must directly benefit Kenyan citizens. Beyond pursuing national interests, we will ensure that our foreign policy delivers tangible benefits to all 47 counties,” he added.

Kilifi County deputy governor Flora Chibule expressed her administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Diaspora Affairs Directorate to support small and micro-enterprises in obtaining the necessary documentation to engage with international partners and the Kenyan diaspora, thereby creating job opportunities for Kilifi residents.

“It is crucial to involve all 47 counties so that the benefits are shared equitably and result in a win-win situation, particularly in terms of job creation,” she urged.