Kenyans looking for jobs abroad will no longer be required to pay ‘processing’ fees to recruitment agencies, according to Labour and Social Protection CS Alfred Mutua.
Additionally, agencies will no longer retain travelers’ documents, marking a significant step to combat unscrupulous agencies profiting from jobseekers.
Many Kenyans have been victims of fraudulent agencies that have scammed them out of millions through fake overseas job offers.
During a Senate session on Wednesday, CS Mutua outlined these reforms aimed at safeguarding jobseekers. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei pressed the CS for answers on why the government has allowed such agencies to operate and demanded updates on investigations into Ms Worth Start Africa Limited.
Cherargei also called for a list of approved recruitment agencies, those blacklisted, and those awaiting clearance, questioning the role of the National Employment Authority (NEA) in regulating recruitment for jobs abroad.
Mutua acknowledged the issue of fraud, noting that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is handling over 1,000 cases involving defrauded Kenyans. He asserted that anyone convicted of fraud will have their assets frozen and used to compensate victims.
Under the new measures, Kenyans will not pay processing fees, which agencies will absorb as part of their operating costs. “Agencies provide a service and should not charge Kenyans,” he stated.
Additionally, the ministry will soon issue clearance letters to Kenyans before they leave for jobs overseas, verifying that the recruitment agency is authorized to operate. This information will be shared with Kenyan embassies abroad to help monitor citizens working outside the country.
Mutua emphasized that before leaving, jobseekers’ details will be recorded in the immigration database to track who is departing and their destinations.
The reforms will also prevent agencies from holding onto travel documents and include training for jobseekers on their rights. “No one should be allowed to keep your passport or other documents. We will ensure the system is streamlined so that jobseekers can rely on their country for support,” he said.
Mutua informed senators that his ministry has been meeting with recruitment agencies to streamline operations, identify dishonest actors, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Agencies have requested longer periods for annual renewals to facilitate registration and compliance.
“The new regulations and policies will refine the industry and eliminate fraudulent operators,” Mutua concluded.
