The
government has launched a multi-agency task force to crack down on rogue
recruitment agencies defrauding Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad.
The
initiative, led by the Ministry of Labour, is necessitated by the rising number
of cases where individuals and companies masquerading as licensed recruitment
agents defraud desperate Kenyans under the false promise of overseas
employment.
Many have
continued to fall prey to the scam, given labour migration is among the top
priorities for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Labour CS
Alfred Mutua said the task force is composed of representatives from his
ministry, the Office of the Attorney General, the Directorate of Criminal
Investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Asset
Recovery Agency, the Financial Reporting Centre, the Directorate of Immigration,
the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the National Employment Authority
and other state agencies.
Its mandate
will be to investigate and prosecute the rogue agents “swiftly and thoroughly”
and will operate from NSSF Building in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
Mutua said
the team’s objective will be to harmonise investigations, fast-track
prosecutions and eliminate bureaucratic delays that often allow perpetrators to
walk free.
“Files will
no longer be hidden in scattered police stations or slow-moving offices. The
DCI will work closely with the DPP to ensure cases are handled efficiently –
whether a file is ready for prosecution, needs more evidence, or should proceed
to court immediately.
“We are also
engaging the Judiciary to explore the possibility of fast-tracking labour fraud
cases, so that offenders are dealt with swiftly and justice is served,” Mutua
said.
Fraud
victims, or those who have paid for a job abroad that has not materialised for
six to eight months or more without a refund, have been urged to report.
“Bring all
relevant documents, including proof of payment and communication records. Visit
the NSSF Building 7th Floor starting, Thursday, July 17, from 9am to 1pm,”
Mutua added.
The CS
defended the labour migration strategy, saying it remains solid and he will not
allow criminals to sabotage it.
“We are
creating structured, safe and dignified pathways for our people to work abroad.
This mission cannot be derailed by con artists. We are determined to protect
the integrity of our programmes and the dignity of our people.”
On Thursday,
a group of victims of the fraud appeared before the Senate Labour and Social
Welfare committee, narrating their ordeals for months after parting with
amounts ranging from Sh50,000 to Sh100,000.
The victims,
who applied for jobs in the Middle East late last year – particularly Qatar and
Saudi Arabia – are yet to get visas, citing frustrations with the recruitment
agencies.
Committee
vice-chairperson Crystal Asige (nominated, ODM) challenged NEA for failing to
deregister rogue recruitment agencies, allowing them to continue conning
Kenyans.
However, the
problem has persisted despite the Labour ministry in November 2023 announcing
the blacklisting of over 500 rogue recruitment and job placement agencies.
