The Kenyan government has launched a major crackdown on unauthorized job recruitment agents who have been attempting to exploit citizens during the recent Qatar recruitment drive at Kabete and the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced this initiative following a landmark agreement with Qatar to employ over 8,000 Kenyan workers. During a Citizen TV interview, Mutua exposed the fraudulent activities that had emerged during the KICC recruitment process. Despite the exercise being entirely government-led, numerous unauthorized agents attempted to extort money from hopeful applicants, demanding up to Sh100,000 and collecting passports illegally. In one instance, authorities discovered a vehicle containing approximately 40 confiscated passports.
The government has responded by implementing strict measures to ensure only legitimate recruitment agencies can participate alongside official government efforts. Mutua emphasizes his commitment to protecting Kenyan citizens from exploitation under President William Ruto’s administration, stating that fraudulent practices would not be tolerated. While acknowledging that many recruitment agencies maintain high ethical standards and have historically demonstrated commitment to safe labour practices, the government plans to thoroughly vet and potentially incorporate reputable agencies into the official recruitment process.
To expand access to these employment opportunities, the government will extend recruitment drives across various regions of Kenya, particularly targeting those in remote areas. This expansion coincides with plans to recruit an additional 5,000 Kenyans for positions in Qatar during November and December. The decentralized approach aims to ensure equitable access to international job opportunities throughout the country. The initiative represents part of a comprehensive strategy to protect Kenyan job seekers and promote fair recruitment practices. Working alongside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the National Employment Authority, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has identified 26 unregistered recruitment agencies operating illegally within Kenya.
The government has urged citizens to exercise caution and thoroughly verify any agency’s credentials before engagement. The Qatari employment opportunity spans multiple sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and construction. While the immediate agreement covers 8,000 positions, with 3,000 to be filled in the near term, the government aspires to expand this to 200,000 positions in Qatar over the coming years. This initiative marks a significant shift from previous labour exports to the Middle East, focusing on skilled professionals in nursing, engineering, and Information and Communications Technology, rather than traditional low-wage, unskilled positions.
