Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Dr. Alfred Mutua has raised concerns about the rising fraud cases targeting Kenyans looking for jobs abroad. He reported that hundreds of complaints have been made to government agencies in the past six months.
During a media briefing, Dr. Mutua stated that a multi-agency task force, created on July 15, 2026, has received 390 complaints from jobseekers who claim they were cheated while seeking overseas positions under the labor mobility program.
The task force includes the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Office of the Attorney General, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
Dr. Mutua mentioned that 15 investigation files have been completed and sent to the DPP for review, while many other cases are still being investigated or are at different stages of prosecution.
He explained that labor fraud cases can be complicated and require thorough investigations. These often involve getting court approval to access bank accounts, mobile money records, and other important evidence before any charges can be filed.
Unregistered Recruiters Target Jobseekers
The ministry indicated that many complaints involve unregistered recruitment agencies and individuals not accredited by the National Employment Authority or registered with the Business Registration Service.
In several cases, victims reportedly paid large amounts of money in cash or sent funds to personal mobile money accounts, which complicates the tracking of these transactions.
Dr. Mutua warned that fraudsters continue to exploit vulnerable jobseekers by spreading fake job ads and making false promises of well-paying jobs abroad.
Court Cases and Ongoing Investigations
The Cabinet Secretary confirmed that several cases are in the courts, including criminal prosecutions and civil suits seeking refunds. He noted that some victims have recovered their money through legal channels.
However, he expressed concern that some suspects have obtained temporary court orders to halt investigations. He said this situation delays justice for affected families.
Youth Employment Funds Under Investigation
Dr. Mutua also revealed that authorities are investigating the reported misuse of public funds from a government youth employment program aimed at supporting overseas job placements.
While some beneficiaries successfully found jobs abroad, investigations continue in cases where agencies failed to account for the funds received or explain how the money was spent.
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Warning to Jobseekers and Parents
The Labour ministry advised Kenyans to verify all overseas job offers through the National Employment Authority before making any payments or travel plans.
Dr. Mutua cautioned jobseekers against paying individuals directly, using personal mobile money accounts, or traveling abroad on tourist or visitor visas for work purposes.
He emphasized that no Kenyan should travel for work without a verified job offer, a signed contract, and a valid employment visa. Any other arrangement exposes workers to exploitation and trafficking.
Parents were also urged to be diligent before supporting their children’s travel abroad, as failing to verify recruitment processes puts young people at significant risk.
Labour Export Progress Despite Fraud Cases
Despite these challenges, Dr. Mutua stated that Kenya has made important progress in legitimate labor migration. He noted that more than 500,000 Kenyans have found overseas jobs through verified channels since the current administration took office, with hundreds leaving the country each day.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting jobseekers, prosecuting fraudsters, and ensuring recruitment agencies charge employers instead of workers for placement services.
“Our goal is to ensure young Kenyans access genuine employment opportunities safely, affordably, and with dignity,” Dr. Mutua said.
