Murkomen Launches Crackdown on Illegal Job Agencies Exploiting Kenyans

Kenya's government is intensifying its fight against fraudulent job recruitment agencies as the nation grapples with a decline in passport power.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking at the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative in Eldoret, has vowed to dismantle deceptive agencies preying on Kenyans seeking overseas employment. His announcement follows the recent arrest of two individuals in Eldoret accused of defrauding over 100 job seekers by collecting Ksh2,400 each under false pretences of securing foreign jobs. Murkomen asserted that the proliferation of these scams is aided by protection within government ranks, a practice he pledged to eliminate.

"We will not allow anyone, regardless of their position, to shield these criminals. Their days are numbered," he said, warning that police officers colluding with illegal agencies face immediate dismissal. 

This crackdown aligns with President William Ruto’s directive to eradicate illegal agencies within two weeks, signalling a strong governmental commitment to restoring integrity in the labour export sector. The fraudulent operation, uncovered by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, was based near Silver Line, where victims were promised travel arrangements originating in Nairobi. 

Concurrently, Kenya’s passport has experienced a decline in global ranking, raising concerns about the nation’s diplomatic leverage and international engagement. The latest Henley Passport Index positions Kenya 69th globally, tied with The Gambia. This marks a drop of two places from its 2022 ranking, when Kenya held 71st position, following a low of 77th in 2021.

The Henley Passport Index assesses the travel freedom of 199 passports, measuring visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 227 destinations worldwide. Kenyan passport holders currently have visa-free access to 71 countries, ranking tenth in Africa. This downward trend raises questions about the country's diplomatic influence and broader implications for its citizens' ability to engage internationally.

In Africa, Seychelles leads with visa-free access to 156 destinations, ranking 24th globally. Mauritius and South Africa follow closely, while Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini all surpass Kenya in passport strength. Somalia possesses the weakest passport on the continent, with access to only 32 destinations.

Globally, Singapore maintains its position as the most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 193 countries. 

Japan and South Korea are next, with 190 destinations, while several European nations dominate the top ranks. The United States, once a leader, has fallen to tenth place, reflecting shifts in geopolitical dynamics and evolving travel restrictions.

The convergence of internal challenges with fraudulent agencies and the declining Murkomen's efforts to dismantle fraudulent networks are part of a broader strategy to ensure Kenyan citizens can pursue legitimate international opportunities without the risk of exploitation.