Government Warns of Fraudulent Job Ads Amid Push for Overseas Employment

The issue of fraudulent job recruitment agencies targeting Kenyans with promises of overseas employment has caused concern among many unsuspecting citizens.

This comes after a widely circulated advertisement claimed to offer various job opportunities in Canada ranging from bakery workers to security guards, purportedly in partnership with the Kenyan government. However, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has dismissed these claims as false. The government spokesperson highlights a broader problem of deceptive practices in job recruitment, particularly for positions abroad. The Kenyan government has previously collaborated with Canada to address unemployment by facilitating job placements for Kenyan workers.

President William Ruto had discussions with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly about developing a labour migration framework to enable more Kenyans to secure skilled positions in Canada. Additionally, plans were mentioned to align Kenyan medical and vocational training curricula with Canadian standards to meet their labour market demands. The government's ambitious goal of sending 250,000 Kenyans annually to work abroad is part of a larger strategy to create employment opportunities for youth and boost remittances from the diaspora. This initiative comes in response to the significant challenge of unemployment in Kenya where only a fraction of the one million annual entrants to the job market find formal employment in the public or private sectors.

Fraudulent recruitment practices have long been a concern in Kenya with many citizens falling victim to scams promising lucrative international jobs. These schemes often result in financial losses or leave individuals stranded in foreign countries. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has been actively pursuing such cases and warning the public about the risks associated with unverified recruitment agencies. To address unemployment, the Kenyan government has implemented various initiatives including the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project. This program aims to enhance employment and earning prospects for young adults through training, internships, and grants for entrepreneurship.

The government is also exploring partnerships with other nations such as the United Arab Emirates to secure job opportunities for Kenyans in various sectors. Despite these efforts, unemployment remains a significant challenge in Kenya. The government continues to urge citizens to exercise caution and thoroughly verify job offers before committing to them. While the prospect of international job opportunities is appealing, it is crucial for Kenyans to approach such offers with caution and conduct thorough research on recruitment agencies.