NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has deregistered 20 recruitment agencies in a move to curb unethical practices that exploit job seekers hoping for employment opportunities abroad.
The National Employment Authority (NEA) revealed to Parliament that the action was triggered by the firms’ dubious operations, which included collecting money from hopeful youth under false pretenses of securing foreign jobs, only to disappear after pocketing the funds.
NEA Director-General Edith Okoki, speaking before the National Assembly’s Committee on Diaspora Affairs, chaired by Taita Taveta MP Lydia Haika, emphasized that the agencies had been engaging in fraudulent activities.
Some were even reportedly backed by influential figures within the government, allowing them to evade scrutiny.
“The last two years have been challenging,” Okoki told the committee. “Some of the individuals behind these agencies had access to high offices, making it difficult to act against them. Even after being deregistered, many tried to reapply under new names.”
The crackdown is part of a broader effort by the government to protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
Among the deregistered firms are prominent names such as Gulfway Recruitment Company Ltd, Royal Capital Placement Ltd, Geoverah Africa Safaris Ltd, and First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Ltd.
The list also includes Daawo Holdings Ltd, Makungu International Ltd, Talent Gateaway Ltd, and Jakartya Ventures Ltd, among others.
Okoki revealed that the deregistrations followed an extensive investigation by various authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
While specific details regarding the violations of each firm were not provided, Okoki indicated that some of the intelligence came from confidential sources, including the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
“For some of the agencies, we act based on direct instructions from the National Intelligence Service,” Okoki explained, adding that the investigations were triggered by multiple complaints, especially from residents of Mombasa.
One notable case involved a probe into Fatma Ramadhan, Director-General of Alhadhramy and Mahla Agencies.
Ramadhan allegedly took money from 51 youths, promising them jobs in Qatar.
However, none of the individuals were able to travel, leaving them stranded after paying large sums of money.
The MPs pressed for more transparency, with Chairperson Haika demanding clear explanations for the revocations.
While Okoki remained tight-lipped on the specifics, she assured the committee that the NEA would continue working with relevant investigative bodies to ensure that rogue agencies are held accountable and barred from exploiting Kenyan job seekers.
The National Employment Authority (NEA) revealed to Parliament that the action was triggered by the firms’ dubious operations, which included collecting money from hopeful youth under false pretenses of securing foreign jobs, only to disappear after pocketing the funds.
NEA Director-General Edith Okoki, speaking before the National Assembly’s Committee on Diaspora Affairs, chaired by Taita Taveta MP Lydia Haika, emphasized that the agencies had been engaging in fraudulent activities.
Some were even reportedly backed by influential figures within the government, allowing them to evade scrutiny.
“The last two years have been challenging,” Okoki told the committee. “Some of the individuals behind these agencies had access to high offices, making it difficult to act against them. Even after being deregistered, many tried to reapply under new names.”
The crackdown is part of a broader effort by the government to protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
Among the deregistered firms are prominent names such as Gulfway Recruitment Company Ltd, Royal Capital Placement Ltd, Geoverah Africa Safaris Ltd, and First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Ltd.
The list also includes Daawo Holdings Ltd, Makungu International Ltd, Talent Gateaway Ltd, and Jakartya Ventures Ltd, among others.
Okoki revealed that the deregistrations followed an extensive investigation by various authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
While specific details regarding the violations of each firm were not provided, Okoki indicated that some of the intelligence came from confidential sources, including the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
“For some of the agencies, we act based on direct instructions from the National Intelligence Service,” Okoki explained, adding that the investigations were triggered by multiple complaints, especially from residents of Mombasa.
One notable case involved a probe into Fatma Ramadhan, Director-General of Alhadhramy and Mahla Agencies.
Ramadhan allegedly took money from 51 youths, promising them jobs in Qatar.
However, none of the individuals were able to travel, leaving them stranded after paying large sums of money.
The MPs pressed for more transparency, with Chairperson Haika demanding clear explanations for the revocations.
While Okoki remained tight-lipped on the specifics, she assured the committee that the NEA would continue working with relevant investigative bodies to ensure that rogue agencies are held accountable and barred from exploiting Kenyan job seekers.
