Kenyan Job-Seekers Allege Exploitation by Government-run Recruitment Agencies

Dozens of Kenyan job-seekers are alleging exploitation by government-endorsed recruitment agencies, sparking investigations and calls for stricter oversight. 

The complainants report that they have been left in financial limbo with neither jobs nor refunds after paying substantial fees to agencies promising overseas employment. The allegations center on agencies participating in a public-private partnership with the Ministry of Labour and the National Employment Authority, an initiative designed to connect Kenyan workers with opportunities abroad. 

Several agencies, including Global Face Human Resources Ltd, Monisa Company Ltd, and Mallow SmartHires Ltd, have been named by at least 48 individuals claiming to have not received compensation for payments made to these agencies. Other implicated agencies include Bluewave Agency, DRA Agency, and Epic Manpower.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has defended the partnership, stating that individuals unwilling to wait for travel arrangements were entitled to refunds. 

"No one has been conned," Dr. Mutua asserted, adding that refunds had been issued upon request and that many applicants were soon to travel. 

He urges those who believe they have been defrauded to file formal complaints with the police, assuring them of justice but cautioning against making false accusations. The controversy has drawn attention to Moses Mbithi, who was appointed by the ministry to coordinate recruitment efforts. 

Questions have been raised regarding his qualifications and the selection process. Despite holding meetings at ministry offices, Mbithi has not addressed public concerns. Attempts to reach him for clarification have been unsuccessful.

Among those affected is Dennis Moberu, a 30-year-old farmhand who paid Sh15,000 to Global Face Human Resources Ltd in October, hoping for a construction job in the United Arab Emirates. Moberu recounts borrowing money from friends and family to cover the fees, only to face months of silence. 

"I was excited to pay for medical tests, believing it was a step closer to my dream job," he says "Now, communication has completely stopped."

Police investigations into the matter led to the arrest of Festus Omwamba, a representative of one of the implicated agencies, on March 27. Omwamba was released on police bond and denied wrongdoing, attributing delays to visa processing issues. 

He stated that some applicants have received their visas and suggested that ongoing complaints result from misunderstandings or external pressure. Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has called for a Senate probe into the agencies and the ministry's oversight.