Job agencies to pay Sh500,000 for initial registration under new regulations

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has introduced a revised fee structure for employment agencies, as part of its broader reforms aimed at streamlining the recruitment and deployment process for Kenyans seeking employment abroad.

Under the new regulations, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has said the initial registration certificate for new employment agencies will be valid for one year at a cost of Sh500,000.

He noted that existing agencies will benefit from an extended renewal period of two years, with renewal fees set at Sh500,000 for the full term or Sh250,000 for one year with an option for renewal.

“These changes, which take effect on September 23, will streamline the licensing process and ensure that agencies are fully compliant with the law. The National Employment Authority (NEA) has now staffed its compliance section to enforce these new regulations,” Mutua said.

In addition to the new fee structure, the Ministry said it is also implementing significant reforms in pre-departure training and orientation programs.

According to Mutua, Homecare management training will now be integrated with pre-departure training, reducing the total training period from 26 days to 14 days.

He said skilled migrant workers will see their pre-departure training period reduced to two days.

He added that the revised assessment system for the training programs will be based on a 100-point scale which will include 65 per cent for practicals by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), 25 per cent for continuous assessment and 10 per cent for pre-departure theory.

“A pass mark of 60 per cent has been established, with NITA set to distribute the updated guidelines to all trainers by November 1,” he said.

𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐔𝐏 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑

I am pleased to announce a series of critical reforms aimed at streamlining the recruitment and deployment process for Kenyans seeking… pic.twitter.com/qAVIZ7MRYt

— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) September 19, 2024

Mutua, however, noted that domestic workers with prior contracts in the Gulf will be exempted from the new training requirements to facilitate a quicker return to employment.

The Ministry said it is also developing model homes in Mombasa and later in Nairobi to replicate Arabic home environments, ensuring better preparation for workers going to countries like Saudi Arabia.

Mutua emphasised that the changes are the result of extensive consultations with key stakeholders and are designed to enhance the efficiency and integrity of the labour migration system.

"These reforms are the result of extensive consultations with key stakeholders, both locally and internationally, and are aimed at enhancing the integrity of our labour migration process," Mutua said.

He further noted that the reforms are expected to facilitate the deployment of between 5,000 to 10,000 Kenyans abroad each week, aligning with the government’s goal of expanding labour mobility.

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The Ministry said it is also tackling the issue of rogue agencies, with several currently under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Additionally, Mutua said discussions are ongoing with banks to provide financing options for agencies, aiming to reduce the financial burden on job seekers.

“We remain committed to ensuring that Kenyans seeking employment abroad are protected, prepared, and given the best opportunities to succeed,” Mutua said.