Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has listed 89 recruitment agencies flagged by Kenyans for allegedly exploiting job seekers seeking opportunities abroad. In a statement shared on social media, CS Mutua directed the named agencies and implicated individuals to present themselves before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Monday, July 21.
Failure to comply with the summons will attract legal consequences, including arrest, prosecution, and possible deregistration. “Kenyans deserve safe, transparent, and dignified access to job opportunities abroad. We will not relent until every rogue agent is held accountable,” Mutua stated.
This directive comes amid growing public criticism of the labour mobility program, with some Kenyans describing it as a scam. Critics argue that many job seekers are lured with false promises of lucrative employment overseas, only to find themselves in low-paying, exploitative roles with limited protections and rampant human rights abuses.
CS Mutua emphasized that the crackdown is part of a broader government effort to dismantle networks of fraudulent recruitment operations that prey on the hopes of vulnerable citizens. He urged members of the public to assist in notifying the listed individuals and agencies about the summons.
“We call upon members of the public who know the listed individuals or companies to immediately notify them of this summons. Whistleblowers and victims are further encouraged to continue reporting to the Multi-Agency Response Team at NSSF,” he said.
The Labour Ministry has been under pressure to ensure that recruitment processes for overseas jobs are regulated, transparent, and accountable. Many Kenyans have called for tighter oversight and improved protections for migrant workers.
This latest move signals a shift in government policy toward stricter enforcement and accountability in labour export services. As the July 21 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively the Ministry follows through on its pledge to protect Kenyans from exploitation and restore trust in labour migration initiatives.
