The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has warned Kenyans seeking jobs abroad against unscrupulous recruitment agents, cautioning that fake job offers could expose them to human trafficking, exploitation and life-threatening situations.
Speaking to students and young people at Garissa University during an outreach under the Kazi Majuu programme, deputy director Anne Moruche urged job seekers to verify recruitment agencies, employment contracts and travel arrangements before accepting overseas jobs.
Moruche, who represented Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu, said young people needed to understand both the opportunities available in international labour markets and the risks of pursuing them through unverified channels.
“Our message to students is simple: Do not pursue overseas employment opportunities without verifying the people and agencies involved,” she said.
She identified demands for money in exchange for jobs, unclear employment contracts and pressure to travel urgently as possible signs of fraudulent recruitment.
Moruche urged prospective migrant workers to confirm that recruitment agencies are licensed by the National Employment Authority and to seek guidance from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs whenever they were uncertain about a job offer.
She also cautioned job seekers against surrendering their travel documents to recruiters without a clear explanation of the travel arrangements and why the documents were needed.
“Before accepting any job, ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of your employment. Anyone travelling abroad for work must obtain the appropriate work visa or permit rather than relying on a tourist visa,” she said.
Unusual travel arrangements, including proposals to take prospective employees through neighbouring countries before transporting them to distant destinations, were another warning sign, she said, urging Kenyans to use lawful recruitment and immigration channels and report suspicious agents to the relevant authorities.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over Kenyans reportedly recruited through deceptive overseas job offers and subsequently exposed to dangerous situations, including the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Some Kenyans have reportedly been lured by promises of well-paying civilian jobs, only to find that the opportunities offered differed significantly from what they had been promised.
Reports of Kenyans ending up in military camps and conflict-related situations have raised questions about the vetting of recruitment agents, the protection of migrant workers and the information available to young people seeking employment abroad.
Moruche encouraged students to consult the department through its official communication channels for clarification on overseas job offers instead of relying solely on recruitment agents or informal networks.
Beyond employment protection, the outreach programme highlighted the contribution of Kenyans living and working abroad to the country's economic development.
Moruche said the government wanted to strengthen links between the diaspora and communities at home by promoting investment opportunities that could create jobs, stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Students were also sensitised on healthcare and welfare services available to Kenyans overseas, the importance of maintaining family ties and opportunities to invest in Kenya while working abroad.
Students who attended the engagement welcomed the initiative, saying it had provided practical information on pursuing overseas employment safely and preparing for the international labour market.
David Onyango, a Garissa University student, said the session had helped participants understand the importance of verifying recruitment agencies and establishing whether advertised jobs were genuine before making travel arrangements.
He said young people were often attracted by the prospect of better-paying jobs abroad without fully understanding the risks, employment requirements and responsibilities involved.
Onyango said some Kenyans had travelled abroad expecting decent employment but encountered unfair working conditions and violations of their rights.
He added that improving academic and professional qualifications was essential for young people seeking to remain competitive in the international labour market.
Another student, Chris Okech, called for more outreach programmes targeting young people, saying many prospective migrant workers lacked reliable information on recruitment procedures and the requirements for securing jobs abroad.
He said students would benefit from more direct engagement with government agencies, including individual guidance on suitable opportunities, required documentation and professional qualifications.
Okech added that acquiring additional skills and learning foreign languages could improve graduates' competitiveness and help them adapt to different working environments.
The students also said the session had helped them understand where to seek assistance when they encountered difficulties abroad, including in countries where Kenya does not have an embassy.
Okech said awareness of available support networks, including relevant local authorities and Kenyan community associations, was important for citizens facing emergencies or other challenges overseas.
The students thanked the department for taking the information directly to the university and called for similar engagements in other learning institutions and communities.
The outreach forms part of efforts to bring diaspora services closer to Kenyans and ensure those seeking opportunities abroad are better informed and equipped to protect their safety, rights and prospects.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The warning highlights the dangers facing young Kenyans desperate for employment in an increasingly competitive job market. While overseas opportunities offer a potential lifeline to job seekers, fraudulent recruitment networks can turn these aspirations into experiences of exploitation, trafficking and abuse. Government outreach is important, but lasting protection requires stricter oversight of recruitment agents, accessible verification services and accountability for those who prey on young people seeking a better future.
