Kenya Revokes Over 700 Licenses from Unreliable Overseas Job Agents
The government has canceled over 700 licenses from questionable operators who promised attractive opportunities abroad, aiming to shield its citizens from dishonest agents exploiting job seekers.
This action is part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s efforts to encourage Kenyans to pursue work outside the local market, as it aims to generate Ksh1 trillion in remittances from Kenyans working abroad by 2025.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu stated that the number of licensed agents dropped from more than 1,200 to just 500 within a year.
During the launch of the Kazi Majuu job fair in Meru, Njogu advised Kenyans to only deal with agents registered with the National Employment Authority.
“At the beginning of last year, there were 1,200 agents. 700 of them have been removed from the register due to misconduct and illegal activities,” Njogu said.
She warned, “If you’re seeking employment abroad, only work with agents licensed by the National Employment Authority. Avoid travel agents and those claiming to be agents without proper authorization.”
Njogu highlighted the government’s efforts in supervising and regulating these agents, saying, “We oversee these agents so that when we receive a complaint, we can revoke the license of that agent.”
She further mentioned, “Those who become criminals or fraudsters and leave people in difficult situations abroad without assistance have been dealt with harshly.”
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The issue of Kenyans falling prey to job scams abroad has been a persistent problem.
Recently, detectives are investigating a Nairobi pastor suspected of being involved in a Ksh600 million job scam, leaving thousands financially devastated.
The desire for opportunities abroad has been heightened by economic hardships, with Kenyans facing job losses and high living costs worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported an increase in the unemployment rate, with over 80,000 Kenyans losing their jobs within the first three months following the August 2022 general elections.
In response to these challenges, the government is attempting to ease the burden on its healthcare system by sending nurses abroad, such as deploying 76 nurses to the UK in August 2023 and planning to send thousands more to Saudi Arabia.
The government aims to benefit from these remittances, targeting Ksh1 trillion by 2025.
According to PS Njogu, the National Employment Authority’s Integrated Management System website lists all government-licensed agents. The government is advising Kenyans to verify whether the agent or agency they plan to use is licensed by the ministry.
Kenya Revokes Over 700 Licenses from Unreliable Overseas Job Agents