Mudavadi to Kenyans: Use vetted agencies when seeking jobs abroad

The government has urged Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad to do so only through agencies vetted and approved by the Ministry of Labour, in a bid to curb cases of human trafficking.

Speaking during a press briefing on the implementation of Kenya’s Foreign Policy, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasised that those seeking work outside the country should also use the National Employment Authority (NEA), which has been mandated to regulate the recruitment process.

Mudavadi said NEA is responsible for accrediting agencies, ensuring compliance with ethical recruitment standards, conducting pre-departure training, and safeguarding the welfare of Kenyan workers abroad.

He noted that the authority also plays a key role in ensuring accountability in cases of abuse or repatriation.

“Since July 2022, reports indicate that many young Kenyans have fallen victim to human trafficking,” Mudavadi said. “There may be many others out there waiting to be rescued. We appeal to Kenyans to undertake due diligence at all times.”

The Prime Cabinet Secretary warned that the crime of human trafficking has evolved into sophisticated forms, including forced online criminality, illegal crypto-currency trade, forced labour, organ harvesting, money laundering, and sexual exploitation.

“These crimes, in addition to drug trafficking and trade in wildlife products, present a serious threat not only to Kenya’s national security but to global security as well,” he said.

He revealed that many victims are lured through fake job advertisements on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Signal, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, where traffickers post enticing offers for positions such as receptionists, cooks, sales agents, translators, factory workers, and crypto traders.

“Once Kenyan applicants apply, they are interviewed online, offered the job, and persuaded to travel on tourist visas. Many end up being swindled into buying one-way tickets and booking non-existent hotel reservations,” Mudavadi explained.

Citing data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), he said human trafficking is among the world’s largest criminal enterprises, generating over $150 billion annually in illicit profits.

Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Foreign Affairs, and Roseline Kathure Njogu, Principal Secretary in the State Department accompanied Mudavadi for Diaspora Affairs, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Kenyans working abroad and dismantling trafficking networks.

“The welfare of our citizens is paramount. We urge everyone to verify opportunities through the right channels to avoid falling into the hands of criminals,” he said. 

Kenya’s foreign policy is the framework that guides how the country interacts with other nations, international organisations, and global partners.

It defines Kenya’s interests, values, and priorities on the world stage—shaping diplomacy, trade, peace, and development.

Kenya’s foreign policy aims to protect national interests, promote regional peace and stability, and advance economic prosperity. It emphasises diplomacy, multilateralism, and respect for international law.