The government has issued a stern warning to rogue travel agents exploiting Kenyans seeking job opportunities abroad, with the Ministry of Labour taking bold steps to tighten regulations around labour migration.
Speaking during the launch of technical college examinations at Dzitsoni College in Kilifi County, Principal Secretary for Labor and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, revealed that the government has already revoked the licenses of 500 recruitment agencies suspected of fraudulent activities. These companies are accused of defrauding job seekers under the guise of securing employment opportunities overseas.
Mwadime noted that investigations are underway to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure that Kenyans are protected from such exploitation. “We will not allow unscrupulous agents to continue taking advantage of our youth. The Department has already begun screening companies involved in labour migration to prevent them from re-registering under new names,” he said.
The announcement came against the backdrop of the ongoing International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Conference on Enhancing Social Dialogue in Labour Migration Governance. The forum, taking place in Mombasa, has brought together stakeholders from across East and the Horn of Africa, including members of the Labour Migration Advisory Group (LMAG).
The conference focuses on strengthening social dialogue as a tool to improve labour migration governance and ensure the protection of migrant workers’ rights. One of the key sessions, moderated by a regional labour expert, highlighted the urgent need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to curb irregular recruitment and promote ethical labour migration practices.
