Mutua Cracks Down on Rogue Recruiters Exploiting Kenyans Seeking Qatar Jobs

Mutua Vows to Stamp Out Dodgy Recruiters Preying on Kenyans Seeking Qatar Jobs

By Reuben Muisonik, Political Editor, The Dispatch Digital

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua is taking a hardline stance on illegal job recruiters exploiting Kenyans desperate for work abroad. Following an agreement with Qatar to send 8,000 Kenyans to work there, the government is launching a crackdown on rogue agents after multiple scams surfaced at recruitment centres in Kabete and KICC.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday, Mutua highlighted the dishonest practices of some agents attempting to prey on job seekers during the government-led Qatar job recruitment exercise.

“On the first day at KICC, we had agents charging Ksh100,000 and taking passports with false promises,” Mutua revealed. The CS stated that authorities even found a vehicle loaded with 40 passports—a stark reminder of the exploitation many Kenyans face.

Government Steps In to Safeguard Kenyans

Mutua assured Kenyans that the government is putting structures in place to weed out unscrupulous recruiters and ensure only verified agencies can operate.

“They see this as an opportunity to make money. But under the Ruto administration, while I’m CS, we won’t allow our people to be conned and driven to desperation,” he declared, promising to clean up the industry.

While determined to crack down on fraudulent operators, Mutua acknowledged that some agencies have upheld ethical practices and worked to protect Kenyan workers abroad. He plans to work with reputable agencies to help improve job access across the nation, especially for those outside Nairobi.

Expanding Job Access Nationwide

In response to concerns that many Kenyans can’t reach Nairobi for recruitment, Mutua revealed that regional recruitment centres would be set up across the country starting in November and December, allowing all Kenyans equal access to Qatar job opportunities.

“We’re going to tell agencies to bring their documentation, so we can partner and take this process across Kenya,” Mutua said, affirming that the government aims to create a safer and more transparent recruitment process.

With additional 5,000 job opportunities expected to open up, Mutua’s initiative could prove a lifeline for many Kenyans. He expressed optimism about creating international job opportunities while decentralising hiring efforts across the country.