NAIROBI, Kenya- The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has cracked down on 25 recruitment agencies after growing public mistrust, according to a report by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.
These agencies, responsible for facilitating overseas employment opportunities, have either been deregistered or denied registration due to concerns raised by the public.
In a statement, CS Mutua named several agencies, including Gulfway Recruitment Company Ltd, Royal Capital Placement Ltd, Geoverah Agency Ltd, and First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Ltd, among others.
The list represents a broad spectrum of organizations that have been flagged for unethical practices or failure to meet the regulatory standards set by the ministry
In response to the growing discontent, Mutua confirmed that the Ministry, working alongside other government bodies, has tightened its oversight of recruitment agencies.
The crackdown is aimed at ensuring that all agencies operating in Kenya adhere to strict guidelines, which prioritize the welfare of Kenyan workers seeking employment abroad.
“The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in collaboration with other agencies, has identified recruitment agencies that the public has raised concerns about. A total of 25 recruitment agencies have been deregistered or denied registration due to various reasons,” Mutua stated.
For transparency, the ministry has made the full list of registered and legitimate recruitment agencies available on the National Employment Authority Information System.
Additionally, the CS revealed plans to publicize this information twice a year in local newspapers, ensuring Kenyans are well-informed.
To bolster the regulatory framework, the ministry is partnering with the National Employment Authority (NEA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Together, they plan to closely monitor private employment agencies to ensure full compliance with established labor laws.
One major initiative from this collaboration includes encouraging recruitment agencies to adopt the International Recruitment Integrity System (IRIS) standards, a globally recognized benchmark for ethical recruitment practices.
This move is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the rights and well-being of migrant workers.
Mutua also highlighted the introduction of a distress reporting mechanism, which allows migrant workers to report cases of mistreatment or fraud through the NEAIMS Web Portal or via a toll-free line, 0800-222223.
These measures aim to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation and ensure their voices are heard.
The blacklisting of these 25 agencies signals the Ministry of Labour’s commitment to cleaning up the recruitment sector and restoring public confidence.
With stricter oversight and partnerships aimed at raising industry standards, Kenyan workers can expect a safer pathway to securing employment opportunities abroad.
By taking decisive action now, the government hopes to ensure that recruitment agencies operate with integrity, protecting the interests of all Kenyans seeking work overseas.
