The government has raised concern over the rising number of Kenyans travelling overseas on tourist visas in search of employment, warning that the practice exposes them to exploitation, financial losses and frustration.
Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime urged those seeking opportunities abroad to follow formal recruitment procedures to secure safe and legitimate work.
Speaking in Canada during a visit aimed at exploring structured labour agreements, Mwadime stressed that a tourist visa is not a pathway to employment.
“I want to warn young Kenyans that getting a tourist visa does not guarantee you a job in the international labour market. A work permit will guarantee you a job,” he said on Tuesday.
The PS explained that the visit is focused on identifying legitimate employment openings available through official Canadian government channels and credible employers.
“Our objective is to know the official job opportunities available in accordance with the government of Canada,” he stated.
He noted that many Kenyans have lost their savings after being misled by individuals and agencies promising non-existent jobs abroad.
“Rather than being cheated or hoodwinked by people who steal your money, we should create this official pathway that allows you to access jobs safely and legally,” he said.
Mwadime also directed a stern warning to recruitment agencies that have been linked to fraud. He said the government would act firmly against any agency found to be deceiving job seekers through false advertisements or unverified promises.
“We do not want Kenyans to be duped or conned out of their hard-earned money by bogus agencies. They place adverts on social media and deceive our young people about job opportunities abroad that do not exist,” he warned.
To enhance accountability, the Labour Ministry is tightening oversight of recruitment agencies to ensure all overseas employment arrangements are transparent and secure. Alongside this, the government is working on incentive measures to encourage Kenyans working overseas to invest back home.
“We desire to come up with packages for Kenyans as they work abroad by ensuring that we give tax holidays so that their investments yield the highest possible returns,” he said.
During his tour of Canada, Mwadime held meetings with Deputy Ministers, employers, and institutions to strengthen partnerships and benchmark training standards.
In Winnipeg, he visited a major trucking company where it was announced that at least 100 Kenyan drivers and mechanics will be recruited under new labour mobility initiatives.
“This initiative aims to create new employment opportunities and strengthen labour mobility between Kenya and Canada,” he said.
At Nova Scotia Community College, discussions focused on aligning certification standards, training trainers, and setting up agreements to recognise student credentials.
The talks also covered ways to expand opportunities under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
In Manitoba, Mwadime led Kenya’s labour delegation in meetings with Deputy Ministers Michael Jack and Mitchelle Wallace to discuss creating secure and structured labour pathways for Kenyans.
He also met Manitoba Chamber of Commerce CEO Chuck Davidson and major employers, including the Progressive Group and Manitoba Pork Council, to explore job creation for skilled Kenyan workers.
Further engagements took place in Toronto with Chief International Talent Officer Farah Huq to explore transparent labour mobility systems and align Kenya’s training to global standards.
In Halifax, the delegation met the Construction Association of Nova Scotia to discuss certification, skills development and training for Kenyans targeting Canada’s construction sector.
A key highlight of the visit was a new partnership between the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick (PANB) and the Kenyan government to improve paramedic training and job placement.
The initiative will use the World Bank’s Global Skills Partnerships model to prepare Kenyan youth for local and international healthcare roles. The partnership will adopt PANB’s education standards while following World Health Organization principles to ensure ethical recruitment.
Immediate steps include reviewing training curricula, boosting instructor capacity and establishing clear licensing and employment pathways that safeguard workers.
Mwadime reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding structured labour mobility programmes that protect Kenyan workers while benefiting host countries.
“Our focus is on creating dignified, well-regulated opportunities that benefit both the Kenyan people and the economies we partner with,” he said.