The Kenyan government has intensified its crackdown on rogue recruitment agencies, blacklisting 26 firms for operating without proper registration and engaging in fraudulent practices.
This move comes as part of a broader effort to protect Kenyan job seekers from exploitation and ensure ethical recruitment practices for both local and international job markets.
Blacklisted Agencies and Government Action
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, through the National Employment Authority (NEA), has published a list of 26 agencies that are no longer authorized to conduct recruitment activities. The blacklisted agencies are:
- Gulfway Recruitment Company Ltd
- Royal Capital Placement Ltd
- Geoverah Agency Ltd
- Geoverah Africa Safaris Ltd
- First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Ltd
- Daawo Holdings Ltd
- Makungu International Ltd
- Talent Getaway Ltd
- Jakarta Ventures Ltd
- Skill Dove Ltd
- Gifted Minds Tours Travel Ltd
- Tangofox Ltd
- Alemtyaz Travel Agent Ltd
- Rhodevo International Ltd
- Flexturch Recruitment Ltd
- Omran Aly Agencies Ltd
- Alsari International Ltd
- Leisamis Recruiters Ltd
- Skyward Global Dimensions Ltd
- Kalezon Limited
- Abamwe Investments Ltd
- Mastermind Ventures Limited
- Broadlink Travels Agency Limited
- Arshad Agency Limited
- Kistamu Agency Limited
- Royal Capital Placement Ltd (listed twice)
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, appearing before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Protection, strongly condemned these agencies for defying deregistration orders and continuing to operate unlawfully.
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He specifically highlighted First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency Limited, which allegedly defrauded over 1,000 Kenyans by promising non-existent jobs abroad.
Ongoing Investigations and Deregistrations
The crackdown on rogue agencies is not limited to the 26 blacklisted firms. In fact, over 500 recruitment and job placement agencies have been blacklisted and banned by the government in its efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of Kenyans seeking jobs abroad.
NEA Director-General Edith Okoki revealed that some of these agencies have attempted to re-register under different names after being deregistered.
She also noted that investigations into more agencies are ongoing, with some cases involving input from the National Intelligence Service.
Protecting Job Seekers
To help Kenyans avoid falling victim to fraudulent agencies, the government advises using the National Employment Agency website to verify authorized agencies.
This step is crucial as many rogue companies have been accused of trafficking Kenyans, especially young women, to countries in the Middle East, where they often face exploitation and abuse.
While cracking down on illegal operators, the Kenyan government is also pursuing legitimate opportunities for its citizens abroad.
CS Mutua has initiated bilateral talks with Qatar to amend the 2012 Bilateral Labour Agreement, focusing on deploying skilled workers in sectors such as ICT, health, education, infrastructure, and agriculture.
As the government continues its efforts to streamline the recruitment process, job seekers are urged to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies before engaging their services.
The ongoing crackdown demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to protecting its citizens from exploitation while seeking employment opportunities both at home and abroad.
