32 job agencies blacklisted as State moves to protect jobseekers
Most of the flagged agencies are said to be operating illegally.
The government has named 32 recruitment agencies that Kenyans should avoid when seeking jobs abroad, following growing concerns over job scams that have left thousands of young people defrauded and frustrated.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua disclosed the list while appearing before the Senate’s Labour and Social Welfare Committee. Among the blacklisted firms are Gulfway Recruitment Company, Royal Capital Placement, Geoverah Agency Ltd, First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy, and Daawo Holdings.
The move comes as part of efforts to address the rising number of complaints from jobseekers who have been misled or conned under the promise of employment opportunities overseas.
Most of the flagged agencies are said to be operating illegally—either without valid registration or on expired licences.
CS Mutua told the committee, chaired by West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor, that the ministry has been working to clean up the labour export system and protect Kenyans from exploitation.
"These agencies have been preying on desperate youth. We are determined to stop this," he said.
At the same time, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched probes into 153 other suspicious recruitment firms.
The investigations are expected to lead to the prosecution of those found culpable of operating in violation of existing labour and migration laws.
While revealing the names of the banned agencies, the Labour CS explained that the crackdown is meant to restore order in the overseas job placement sector and reassure job seekers that the government is committed to their safety.
The committee session also focused on broader complaints surrounding a government-backed overseas job programme, which is under scrutiny following reports of widespread irregularities.
The issue has sparked debate among leaders, including heated exchanges during the committee sitting.
As investigations continue, job seekers are being urged to verify the status of any recruitment agency before making payments or commitments.
The Ministry of Labour has pledged to make verified agency information easily accessible to the public.
Senator Gloria Orwoba, who also attended the session, stressed the need to focus on the plight of victims, saying thousands of Kenyans have lost their savings in fraudulent job deals.
"Let us not personalise this matter but listen to the victims," she said.
She questioned the government’s rationale in promoting job placements to countries where Kenyans are actively seeking rescue.
"How can we justify sending our people to Iraq when we are working to get others out?" she asked.
Dr Mutua maintained that his ministry is committed to accountability and has taken steps to stop rogue players from operating.
He assured the committee that those affected by delays or cancellations had been refunded, except for medical testing fees.
As pressure mounts on the government to deliver on its labour export promise, the spotlight remains on ensuring transparency and protecting Kenyan job seekers from falling prey to fake recruiters.