How Fraudulent Recruitment Agencies Exploit Jobseekers in Kenya

Kenyan jobseekers are facing a surge in fraudulent recruitment agencies that exploit their desperation for employment opportunities abroad.

These agencies operate under the guise of legitimate businesses and lure victims with promises of well-paying jobs in countries like Canada and Australia. However, instead of securing employment, these agencies leave their victims with financial losses and visa bans. One such agency, WorthStart Africa, has come under investigation for defrauding Kenyans of millions of shillings. The agency targets vulnerable individuals by advertising on radio and television, promising dream jobs in the hospitality and caregiving fields.

However, upon paying exorbitant fees, jobseekers receive poorly drafted visa applications and fabricated financial statements, resulting in mass rejections and five-year visa bans from the targeted countries. WorthStart Africa then evades responsibility for these consequences, leaving victims with financial ruin and shattered dreams. This fraudulent activity extends beyond WorthStart Africa. Several other agencies, including Amble Beginning Consult (formerly known as Frac and Calp) and Novice Global Service Consultants, are under investigation for similar schemes.

Amble Beginning Consult is accused of swindling job seekers out of Sh800 million, while Novice Global Service Consultants allegedly deceived over 400 individuals in Eldoret County causing collective losses of Sh160 million. These agencies prey on the desperation of Kenyans seeking a better life abroad, often targeting those struggling financially. Victims have reported resorting to selling property and taking out bank loans to secure these nonexistent opportunities. The prevalence of fraudulent recruitment exposes a gap in Kenya's regulatory framework.

The National Employment Authority (NEA), tasked with overseeing and accrediting recruitment agencies, faces accusations of being influenced by corrupt agencies. Additionally, unregistered and unlicensed agencies operate with impunity. Kenyans demand for the government to take decisive action to address this issue. Strengthening the NEA's autonomy and investigative powers is crucial to ensure ethical operations within the recruitment industry. Furthermore, Ruto's government is expected to implement stricter regulations and enforce penalties for non-compliance to deter fraudulent practices.

Jobseekers are also advised to exercise caution by verifying the legitimacy of recruitment agencies before engaging with them. Consulting with established government bodies and seeking recommendations can help identify reputable agencies. In January, NEA launched the National Employment Authority Integrated Management System (NEAIMS) in a move aimed at enabling Kenyans to easily identify and verify legitimate recruitment agencies, both domestic and international.

Here is a list of authorized agencies that can assist in recruiting Kenyans for overseas employment

1. Kelmus Recruitment International Agency Limited
2. Gulf-Resource Consultants
3. Ramsey Manpower Limited
4. Jay Recruiting Agency Limited
5. Muhanna Services Limited
6. Dante Empowerment Services Ltd
7. Classic Connections Recruitment Agency Limited
8. Gispal International Limited
9. Celyca Agencies Limited
10. Absolute Consultancy and Support ACS Services Ltd
11. Alwynn Global Agencies Limited
12. Alijacky Agency Limited
13. Caldo Tours and Travel Agency Limited
14. Leking Recruitment Agency Limited
15. Bluewave International Services Limited
16. Alfrwakly Services Limited
17. Loivin Limited
18. Sakr Agency Limited
19. Satmar Technologies Company Ltd
20. Janaal Oversees Limited
21. Efran Agencies Limited
22. Joytom Manpower and Travel Solutions Limited
23. Consult Centre Limited
24. Al-Mysra Company Limited
25. Lipasama Global Agencies Limited
26. Al Suwedi International Recruiting Agency Limited
27. Shanawa International Agency
28. Altowfiq Recruitment and Consulting Agency
29. Kerrygold Agency Limited
30. Bright Exit KE Limited
31. Fursah
32. Vercy Agency Limited
33. Queenstar Ventures Limited
34. Somo Serve Management Company Limited
35. Al-Iman General Agencies Limited
36. Fariha Agency Ltd
37. La Preciosa Limited
38. Muthuma International Agency Limited
39. Al Berita Recruitment and Travel Agency Ltd
40. Gulf Quest Recruitment Limited
41. Duetra Ventures Limited
42. Bilqdee Travel Agencies Limited
43. Glenn Heights Limited
44. Al Sultan Al Mumayaza for Recruitment Limited
45. Al Jazi Gulf Connection Limited
46. Al Tafaol Trading Co. Limited
47. Dalanta Global Agency Limited
48. Soringe Springs Limited
49. Two-star Safaris Ltd
50. Al Mulmaan Hireworld Ltd