Kenya’s recruitment sector, particularly in overseas job placements, has become a growing source of national concern. Various recruitment agencies operating in Kenya have faced scrutiny and negative publicity due to alleged unethical practices and scams. There have also been allegations of worker exploitation abroad that have not only tainted the reputation of individual agencies but also exposed deeper systemic failures. This is because various government officials have been implicated in this.

Looking at recent history, Kenya has seen and continues to see many of its young population emigrating to other countries in search of ‘greener pastures’. A comprehensive study by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations’ Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) noted that Africa lost 60,000 professionals between 1985 and 1990 (see Aredo and Zelalem, 1998). In addition, this study found that Africa had already lost one-third of its human capital and was continuing to lose its skilled personnel at an increasing rate.  However, this dream remains far-fetched for most, no matter how much effort they put into it. 

The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare recently launched an investigation into the controversial ‘Kazi Majuu’ project following allegations that some recruitment agencies scammed Kenyan job seekers out of millions of shillings. The committee, chaired by Kajiado Senator Lenku Seki, summoned Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and officials from the National Employment Authority (NEA) to respond to growing concerns about the integrity of the diaspora job placement program. This follows preliminary reports that indicate that agencies accredited by the NEA defrauded more than 300 Kenyans.

In February, the Cabinet Secretary of Labour, Alfred Mutua, reiterated that the National Job Recruitment Programme was suspended and to stay on hold until further notice, even as youths continued to gather at recruitment stations previously advertised.

In September 2024, the government deregistered 20 recruitment agencies for non-compliance. According to the National Employment Agency (NEA) Director General, the said companies had been denied operating licenses as part of the strategy to address malpractices in private recruiting agencies. This revelation was made during a meeting with the Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers, chaired by Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta MP). The MPs convened the meeting after an inspection visit to the private employment agencies domiciled in Mombasa, where it was established that the firm operated without a valid license. Despite not having a valid licence, the agency was listed on the National Employment Authority website and had sent 600 workers to the Middle East.

In 2023, many youthful job seekers were demanding justice after being allegedly swindled by a recruitment agency that had promised them jobs abroad. Some job seekers claimed that they paid thousands of shillings to a company named First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency to secure placement for various job opportunities overseas, only for them to be taken round in circles. The Senate consequently ordered First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency Limited to refund Sh1 billion paid by thousands of youths after it failed to secure jobs and colleges abroad for them.

The scandals surrounding the intricacies of agencies offering work abroad and the championed government initiative to offer opportunities for youth abroad cut deeper than just a few bad actors. They raise uncomfortable questions about governance, accountability, and Kenya’s global standing.

Public trust erodes when government institutions and officials meant to protect citizens are implicated in these scams. Citizens lose confidence in the recruitment sector and the broader integrity of the country’s governance systems.

Labour migration contributes significantly to remittances, a crucial part of Kenya’s economy. However, remittance flows could shrink if recruitment pipelines are disrupted due to scandals and mismanagement. This would affect thousands of households and local communities reliant on income from abroad and the government as it works to realise its financial and development goals. 

The government must acknowledge and impartially investigate the role of public officials implicated in enabling or protecting unethical agencies. This includes rooting out corruption within the respective bodies. Without holding insiders accountable, reforms will have little credibility.

To address the root causes driving thousands of Kenyans to seek risky or exploitative jobs abroad, the country must focus on developing more meaningful economic and employment opportunities at home. The government can create sustainable local jobs by investing in sectors like manufacturing, agribusiness, renewable energy, and digital services. Supporting and building on what we already have can also open new pathways for Kenyans, helping to strengthen the domestic economy and lessen the overreliance on foreign labour markets.

The question remains whether the political class is ready to turn the light on themselves and whether Kenyan society will keep the pressure on them to ensure that reform is real now.