Government announces crackdown on rogue agents targeting Kenyans seeking jobs abroad
Victims have been urged to present evidence at a newly created one-stop centre at NSSF Building from Thursday, July 17, 2025.
The government has formed a Multi-Agency Taskforce mandated to investigate, arrest and prosecute individuals and companies implicated in defrauding Kenyans seeking jobs abroad, as part of a renewed crackdown on rogue recruitment agents.
Victims have been urged to present evidence at a newly created one-stop centre at the NSSF Building from Thursday, July 17, 2025.
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Speaking after convening a high-level meeting with key government agencies on Tuesday, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the government is alarmed by the growing number of Kenyans falling victim to fraudsters posing as licensed recruitment agents.
“We are deeply concerned by the rising number of cases where unscrupulous individuals have been masquerading as licensed recruitment agents, defrauding our people under the false promise of overseas employment, only to disappear with their hard-earned money and shatter their dreams,” Mutua said.
Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Mohammed Amin and National Employment Authority Director General Edith Okoki attended the meeting.
Mutua said the newly formed taskforce will consist of the Ministry of Labour, Office of the Attorney General, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Asset Recovery Agency, Financial Reporting Centre, Directorate of Immigration, State Department for Diaspora Affairs and other relevant agencies.
“This taskforce will operate from a centralised One-Stop Centre, based at NSSF Building, Block C, 7th Floor, starting today, 15th July 2025, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm daily. The goal is to harmonise investigations, fast-track prosecutions, and eliminate bureaucratic delays that often allow perpetrators to walk free,” he said.
He emphasised that the file will no longer be hidden in scattered police stations or slow-moving offices.
“The DCI will work closely with the DPP to ensure cases are handled efficiently, whether a file is ready for prosecution, needs more evidence, or should proceed to court immediately,” Mutua said.
He said the government is also engaging the Judiciary to explore fast-tracking labour fraud cases to ensure offenders are punished swiftly.
“Those who have deliberately defrauded Kenyans must face the full force of the law. We are serious about dismantling these criminal networks,” he added.
Mutua made it clear that individuals behind fraudulent companies will be held personally responsible.
“Companies are registered by people, and we will not allow any individual to hide behind company names. Everyone responsible, whether as directors, brokers, or collaborators, will be held personally accountable,” he said.
The CS further appealed to all victims of employment fraud to come forward.
“I now issue this call to the public: If you have been conned, if an individual or agency took your money in exchange for a promised job opportunity abroad that has not materialised for six to eight months or more, and you have not received a refund, please come forward. Bring all relevant documents, including proof of payment and communication records. Visit the NSSF Building, 7th Floor, starting Thursday, 17th July, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm,” he said.
Mutua defended Kenya’s labour migration strategy, insisting that the government will not allow criminals to undermine the country’s efforts to secure structured foreign employment opportunities.
“Let us be clear: Kenya’s labour migration strategy is solid, and we will not allow criminals to sabotage it. We are creating structured, safe, and dignified pathways for our people to work abroad. This mission cannot be derailed by con artists. We are determined to protect the integrity of our programmes and the dignity of our people,” he said.
Mutua reiterated that the government remains committed to dismantling fraud networks exploiting vulnerable job seekers and protecting the future of Kenya’s labour migration initiatives.
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