The government has blacklisted and imposed a ban on more than 500 recruitment and job placement agencies.
Shadrack Mwadime, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Labour and Skills Development, announced this development during a press conference held on Tuesday, October 31, at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in Mombasa County.
Mwadime explained that extensive investigations into these agencies are underway, with a thorough vetting process being conducted to ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements.
“It is true that there are almost 1,000 agencies that have deceived Kenyans, but we have reduced that number, and we are continuing with the vetting process. Do not be lured by agencies simply because they claim to send people abroad,” he said.
The PS highlighted that there have been nearly 1,000 agencies found to have deceived Kenyans, but through rigorous vetting and regulatory action, the government has reduced this number. Those agencies that are suspected of failing to adhere to legal and policy obligations and engaging in fraudulent activities will now face legal consequences.
The government has expressed its commitment to safeguarding its citizens who are seeking employment abroad.
Mwadime underscored the perils posed by rogue and illegal recruitment operators to Kenyan job seekers, emphasizing the need for diligence and caution when choosing an employment agency.
In response to the issue at hand, Mwadime encouraged Kenyans to utilize the National Employment Agency website to identify authorized recruitment agencies.
This move aims to provide Kenyan job seekers with a reliable source for vetted and legitimate employment agencies.
Mwadime also addressed concerns regarding the time it takes to issue certificates to candidates from various training institutions across the country. Approximately 1,000 candidates have expressed dissatisfaction with the certification process, often managed by an international company contracted by the government.
The PS said the government is working on a localization initiative that will streamline and expedite the certificate issuance process, reducing waiting times to one to two months. This measure is set to provide accountability and timely documentation for candidates, fostering trust in the system.
