Kenyans have been put on high alert following a surge in the number of “unscrupulous” recruiting agencies operating without valid documents. The Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary, Shadrack Mwadime, revealed that 16 such agencies have already been flagged by the Ministry.
Probe Conducted with DCI and Police
The probe was conducted in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and police to identify these unscrupulous recruiting agencies. The ministry has urged those looking for jobs abroad to conduct due diligence to avoid falling prey to such fraudsters.
Warning Issued by Labour Ministry
“The ministry wishes to notify Kenyans that all job advertisements or any job offers or demand letters must have been approved by the Director General, National Employment Authority,” Mwadime said in a statement. This warning comes as yet another scandal has emerged in Eldoret, where some 300 people were conned money with promises of non-existent jobs in Canada.
Scandal Unfolds in Eldoret
The company involved is alleged to have taken Sh300,000 and Sh350,000 from the residents for their visas and other requirements. Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has since ordered a crackdown on individuals and groups suspected to be behind it. The county will work with security agencies to arrest those who have tarnished the image of Eldoret.
Residents Warned Against Falling Prey
Residents have lost millions in such deals over the last three years, which are under police investigations. Mwadime has stressed on the need for job seekers intending to travel out to ensure that all foreign contracts of employment are attested by the designated Labour officers at the ministry’s offices before purchasing air tickets.
Attestation Process Explained
The attestation process is done online through the National Employment Authority website (NEAIMS.GO.KE), including downloading and uploading necessary documentation. The list of registered private employment and recruitment agencies can be accessed through the Neaims portal, with agencies listed in green having valid licenses while those in red are not valid.
Labour Migration Desk Operationalised
The Labour migration desk has been operationalized at JKIA to ensure all Kenyan migrant workers have complied with necessary pre-departure procedures. This move aims to curb irregular migration, unethical recruitment, and human trafficking, ensuring safe, orderly, regular labour migration for all Kenyans.
