Government Flags 16 Agencies Amidst Canadian Job Scam Crisis

The Kenyan government has taken decisive action to address a wave of fraudulent job recruitment practices that have left hundreds of job seekers from Eldoret City out of pocket. Following an exposé by Citizen TV, which revealed that over 300 individuals had been swindled out of millions of shillings under the guise of securing employment in Canada, the government has flagged 16 recruitment agencies operating in Eldoret City. These agencies are accused of deceiving job seekers with false promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad.

In response to the escalating crisis, Labour Principal Secretary (PS) Shadrack Mwadime has announced that the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has launched a thorough investigation into these agencies. The findings have led to the immediate flagging of the 16 agencies involved, as the government seeks to curb the rising number of job scams plaguing the nation.

The Citizen TV report has brought to light the extent of the scam, with affected individuals losing substantial amounts of money after being assured of job placements in Canada. In light of these developments, PS Mwadime has urged job seekers to exercise extreme caution when dealing with recruitment agencies and to verify the legitimacy of all job offers. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that any job offer is approved by the Director General of the National Employment Authority (NEA) before proceeding further.

The Ministry of Labour has outlined clear procedures for Kenyans seeking employment abroad. PS Mwadime explained that job seekers must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Labour before purchasing air tickets or making any travel arrangements. This process involves an online attestation procedure through the National Employment Authority’s platform, NEAIMS.GO.KE. The platform allows users to download and upload the necessary documentation for verification.

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Furthermore, PS Mwadime highlighted the NEA’s role in connecting Kenyans with legitimate employers overseas. To aid in this effort, the NEA provides a list of registered recruitment agencies on its website. This list is color-coded: agencies listed in black have valid licenses, while those marked in red are still under verification. Job seekers are strongly advised to consult this list to confirm the credibility of any recruitment agency they intend to engage with.

In an effort to streamline and enhance oversight of recruitment practices, the government has recently reduced the number of private recruitment agencies from 1,000 to 500 following a comprehensive vetting process. This reduction aims to ensure that only reputable agencies remain operational and to minimize the risk of fraudulent activities.

Additionally, the government has established a labor migration desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). This new initiative is designed to ensure that Kenyan migrant workers comply with all necessary procedures before departing the country. The desk will play a crucial role in preventing irregular migration and human trafficking, providing an additional layer of security for those seeking employment opportunities abroad.

The actions taken by the government reflect a broader commitment to protecting Kenyan job seekers from exploitation and fraudulent practices. By enhancing regulatory measures and increasing transparency in the recruitment process, the Ministry of Labour aims to restore trust in the employment recruitment system and safeguard the interests of those seeking better opportunities overseas.

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As the situation unfolds, the government remains vigilant in its efforts to address the challenges posed by illegal recruitment practices and to support Kenyan citizens in their pursuit of legitimate and rewarding employment opportunities abroad.