NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has launched a multi-agency task force to clamp down on fraudulent recruitment agencies preying on Kenyans seeking jobs abroad.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced the initiative on Thursday, citing a surge in complaints against individuals and firms masquerading as licensed recruiters while defrauding desperate jobseekers under the guise of overseas opportunities.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the exploitation of Kenyans aspiring to migrate for work—one of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s flagship strategies to reduce unemployment.
“We will no longer allow con artists to derail a mission aimed at creating safe, structured, and dignified job pathways for our people,” said Mutua. “This task force will pursue perpetrators swiftly and thoroughly.”
High-Level Multi-Agency Team
The new task force is anchored within the Ministry of Labour and includes representatives from:
- The Office of the Attorney General
- Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
- Asset Recovery Agency (ARA)
- Financial Reporting Centre (FRC)
- Directorate of Immigration
- State Department for Diaspora Affairs
- National Employment Authority (NEA), among others.
The unit will be housed at the NSSF Building in Upper Hill, Nairobi, and is expected to coordinate investigations, streamline prosecutions, and eliminate red tape that has allowed rogue recruiters to evade justice.
“Files will no longer be buried in scattered police stations or idle offices,” said Mutua. “The DCI and ODPP will work closely to assess each case—whether it needs more evidence, is ready for prosecution, or should proceed to court immediately.”
He added that the Judiciary is also being engaged to explore fast-tracking labour fraud cases to ensure swift justice.
Victims Urged to Report
Kenyans who suspect they have been scammed were encouraged to come forward with documentation, including proof of payment and communication with recruiters.
“If you paid for a job abroad and haven’t received your visa or refund after six to eight months, report it,” Mutua said. “Visit the 7th Floor, NSSF Building, starting Thursday, July 17, from 9am to 1pm.”
Senate Hears Victims’ Testimonies
Mutua’s announcement came just hours after victims of fraudulent job deals appeared before the Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee to share harrowing accounts of deception and financial loss.
Most of the victims had applied for jobs in Qatar and Saudi Arabia late last year and paid recruitment fees ranging from Sh50,000 to Sh100,000, but are yet to receive visas or job placements.
Committee vice-chairperson Crystal Asige (ODM, nominated) slammed the National Employment Authority for failing to deregister known fraudulent agencies despite repeated complaints.
“NEA must be held accountable for letting these scams continue unchecked,” said Asige.
The ministry had announced in November 2023 that it had blacklisted over 500 rogue recruitment agencies, but fraud cases have continued to surface.
Mutua reaffirmed that while Kenya remains committed to expanding labour migration, the process must be protected from exploitation.
“We are not abandoning labour migration. We are protecting it—and the dignity of our people—by taking out the criminals undermining it.”
