Gov't flags 16 agencies after Kenyans lose millions to Canada job scams

In a statement, Labour PS Shadrack Mwadime said that the Ministry unearthed the unethical agencies after carrying out investigations in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 

This is after an exposé by Citizen TV showed more than 300 people from Eldoret City had lost millions with the promise of jobs in Canada. 

The PS urged Kenyans to ensure that all job offers have been approved by the Director General, National Employment Authority. 

Further, Kenyans seeking jobs abroad must receive clearance at the Ministry of Labour before purchasing air tickets to travel to their destination. 

"The attestation process is done online through National Employment Authority website (NEAIMS.GO.KE) including downloading and uploading of the necessary documentations," the statement read in part. 

PS Mwadime explained that NEA is mandated to link Kenyans with their employers abroad. Further, he advised Kenyans to check the list of registered recruitment agencies on the NEA platform (https://neaims.go.ke/EmploymentAgencyList.aspx) with those listed in black having valid licences while those in red are yet to be verified. 

Currently, the government has reduced the number of private recruitment agencies from 1,000 to 500 after a thorough vetting process. 

To address migration issues, the government has introduced a labour migration desk at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

This, according to the PS, will ensure Kenyan migrant workers have complied with the procedures before exiting the country and also help in preventing irregular migration and human trafficking.