Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu during the second edition of the Kazi Majuu football tournament at Kinoru Stadium in Meru on August 26, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERAKenyans seeking jobs abroad have been cautioned against fraudulent recruitment agencies accused of conning job seekers, charging excessive fees and making false promises about employment opportunities overseas.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu urged applicants to verify recruitment agencies before engaging them, obtain valid passports and acquire the skills required in the international labour market.
She warned that some job seekers have lost money to rogue recruiters only to discover that the promised jobs did not exist, while others have travelled abroad only to find that the jobs and working conditions differed from what they had been promised.
Njogu said applicants should also be wary of recruiters who demand bribes or use intimidation, noting that legitimate agencies should be transparent about the recruitment process and the terms of employment.
“We are taking this opportunity to play football with young people while having conversations around the government's interventions on unemployment. We are sensitising them on how to access these opportunities and on safe labour mobility,” Njogu said.
She spoke at Kinoru Stadium in Meru during the second edition of the Kazi Majuu football tournament, which brought together 64 teams from North Imenti, each of which was issued with football kits and balls, as the state sought to engage youths on jobs abroad.
The warning comes amid persistent concerns over the conduct of overseas recruitment agencies, with cases reported of job seekers paying for non-existent jobs, dealing with unregistered recruiters and being given different jobs after arriving in foreign countries.
The national assembly has also raised concerns over excessive recruitment charges and cases where workers have been promised particular jobs only to find different employment upon arrival.
Some migrant workers have additionally faced problems tracing recruiters when disputes arise.
In January, the government also uncovered a recruitment scheme involving forged government documents and an unlicensed network targeting Kenyans seeking jobs in Oman, highlighting the risks faced by applicants who fail to verify recruiters.
Njogu said the government had facilitated about 583,000 Kenyans to access employment opportunities in the diaspora over the past three and a half years, with TVET institutions playing an increasingly important role in preparing young people for overseas jobs.
She added that the government was strengthening measures to protect Kenyans working abroad, particularly children and other vulnerable citizens who encounter difficulties in foreign countries.
Njogu cited the recent repatriation of a Kenyan child identified as Precious and said the government had facilitated the return of eight children who had been left abroad over the past three years.
She urged job seekers to carry out due diligence before accepting overseas employment and ensure they have the necessary documents and skills before travelling.
“Do not be desperate to the extent of trusting anyone who promises you a job abroad. Confirm the agency, understand the process and ensure you have the necessary documents before travelling,” Njogu cautioned.
She encouraged the youth to acquire technical skills, saying international employers were increasingly looking for workers with practical competencies.
Njogu said universities and TVET institutions had complementary roles in preparing young people for the international labour market, which she said had a growing demand for skilled professionals.
Beneficiaries of the Kazi Majuu programme echoed her sentiments, urging young people to take advantage of genuine overseas employment opportunities.
Elizabeth Wanjiru, who worked in the United Kingdom for four months after securing an opportunity through the programme, encouraged young people to enrol in TVET institutions and acquire skills that can improve their chances of finding employment.
Wanjiru said she learnt about the programme while studying at Meru National Polytechnic before attending recruitment interviews and securing her passport after successfully completing the selection process.
“Kazi Majuu is real. I was in the UK for four months and was able to make good money. I encourage fellow young people to join TVET and acquire a skill because the opportunities are there,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Shadrack Wanyonyi, said he initially doubted the programme but changed his mind after securing an opportunity through it.
“I thought it was just a joke, but I have realised that it is real. Young people should take advantage of these opportunities and pursue courses that give them skills,” Wanyonyi said.
