Kenya Embassy in Riyadh Cracks Down on Rogue Recruitment Agencies

The Kenya Embassy in Riyadh has begun a crackdown on unlicensed recruitment agencies accused of exploiting Kenyan job seekers seeking work in Saudi Arabia.

In a public advisory issued this week, the embassy said it is targeting recruitment networks operating outside the law, particularly those involved in placing domestic workers. Officials warned that such agencies have exposed migrants to unsafe conditions through deception and failure to meet basic welfare standards.

The embassy said the campaign aims to restore accountability in the recruitment sector and protect Kenyan citizens from abuse. It accused rogue operators of misleading job seekers, ignoring labour rights protections, and failing to uphold agreed employment terms.

Only recruitment agencies licensed and approved by the Government of Kenya are authorised to place workers in overseas jobs, the advisory stated. The embassy urged job seekers to verify agencies through the National Employment Authority’s online portal, which lists all accredited recruiters.

Kenyans with information about suspicious or non-compliant agencies have been asked to report them confidentially. Embassy officials said public cooperation is essential to strengthening oversight and dismantling fraudulent networks.

The move follows ongoing reports of mistreatment of migrant workers in the Gulf region, where illegal recruitment practices have been linked to exploitation and poor working conditions. Officials said the action reflects a broader commitment by the Kenyan government to ensure transparency in labour migration.

The embassy said protecting Kenyan workers abroad remains a priority. It described the operation as part of a wider strategy to promote ethical recruitment, uphold human rights, and ensure overseas employment is conducted through lawful and regulated channels.