Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua at a past eventThe government has released the names of 32 recruitment agencies that Kenyans should avoid when seeking employment abroad following a surge in complaints over exploitation and alleged fraud.
The move comes as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched investigations into 153 additional firms suspected of engaging in illegal recruitment practices.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua revealed the blacklist on Tuesday while appearing before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.
Mutua told lawmakers that the deregistered agencies were either unlicensed, operating with expired permits, or were implicated in fraudulent activities.
“This list is just the beginning,” Mutua said.
“We are committed to cleaning up the recruitment industry to protect our citizens from exploitation.”
However, the committee session turned heated after a public clash between Mutua and nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba who has been vocal about alleged mismanagement of government’s labour export programme.
Tensions rose after Mutua accused the senator of having personal interests in the recruitment process.
The CS accused the senator of starting a smear campaign after the recruitment did not proceed in a manner she preferred.
“We don’t have a single record of anyone who paid and wasn’t refunded, only those concerned about delays,” Mutua said.
In her response, Orwoba denied the allegations and accused the ministry and recruitment agencies of orchestrating a cover-up to protect malpractices.
“Let us not personalise this matter,” she said.
“Thousands of Kenyans have lost money and dignity. This committee must listen to the victims.”
Orwoba questioned how Kenyans were being sent to countries where others are reportedly seeking to be rescued from dangerous conditions.
Senators present, including Alexander Mundigi (Embu) and Richard Onyonka (Kisii), called for a comprehensive investigation to determine the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
Onyonka highlighted ongoing complaints from over 160 Kenyans in Yemen and Qatar who reported mistreatment.
Mutua reiterated his commitment to reforming the system, stating, “It is unfair to associate me with crime. I have been cleaning up since I took office to protect our people.”
