The government has established a multi-agency taskforce to combat the growing menace of fraudulent recruitment agents preying on Kenyans seeking jobs overseas.
The decision was reached on Tuesday 15 July, 2025 during a high-level meeting convened by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, bringing together top law enforcement and legal officials.
The taskforce will investigate and take action against individuals and networks masquerading as licensed job agents, accused of collecting money from unsuspecting Kenyans with false promises of foreign employment.
“These con artists are not only stealing from desperate citizens, but they are also sabotaging the government’s labour migration agenda,” said Dr. Mutua.
Present at the meeting were Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, DCI Director Mohammed Amin, Labour PS Shadrack Mwadime, and NEA Director General Edith Okoki.
The Ministry of Labour emphasized that Kenyans must be protected from exploitation and assured the public that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.
The taskforce will consist of: Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Office of the Attorney General, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Asset Recovery Agency, Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), Directorate of Immigration, State Department for Diaspora Affairs and other relevant state agencies
The Multi-Agency Taskforce will hold its sittings at the NSSF Building, Block C, 7th Floor, and will begin on Thursday, 17th July 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM daily.
“This joint operation will serve as a centralized one-stop centre to fast-track investigations, coordinate prosecution, and ensure justice for victims,” said Dr. Mutua. “Files will no longer be stuck in fragmented systems. The DCI and DPP will work in tandem to expedite decisions and court action.”
The Ministry also announced plans to engage the Judiciary to explore fast-tracking of labour fraud cases. “We want to ensure that those arrested face justice swiftly. No one will be allowed to hide behind company names. Individuals behind these fraudulent operations will be held accountable,” added the Cabinet Secretary.
