By Eddah Waithaka
In a major update on the fight against fraudulent overseas job agencies, a special government task force today announced the first wave of arrests and prosecutions, while issuing a stern public warning to unregistered operators preying on desperate job seekers.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua, alongside officials from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), revealed that a six-month investigation into the ‘Kazi Majuu’ labour mobility programme has identified 390 alleged fraud cases.
CS Alfred Mutua stated that the multi-agency Task Force on Travelling Agencies Labour Fraud has already completed and forwarded 15 case files to the DPP for prosecution, with more charges imminent.
“We are building watertight cases that will stand in court,” stated CS Alfred Mutua. “This is a forensic process. We follow the money through bank and mobile records, but we must get court orders to do so. The process is deliberate, but it is moving.”
The investigation exposes widespread deception. Out of the 390 complaints, 106 involve so-called “travel agents.” Shockingly, many operators used completely fake companies.
“Some individuals and companies are not registered anywhere in Kenya. They don’t have a bank account, they have nothing,” CS Alfred Mutua explained. “They put up fake posters, people give them cash, and they vanish.”
The task force confirmed several early victories for victims: Mr. Nachos Mwenda Mutua recovered his money from Cyprian Mwanzia of Travel International Ambitions Consultants. Mr. Boniface Mainamugo secured a reimbursement from Ms. Janet Wanjiku Mwanzia.
Meanwhile, the courts are hearing cases against individuals like Brian Reeves Obare, Pauli Collins of Xi’an Travels Agency, and David Mwiti Kanyanga. The DCI also named agencies using courts to stall investigations.
Fremont Agency (Benayo Nyamwega) and Windmark Agency (Catherine Wadumu Mugo, Cesar Tingori, and Caroline Wanja Mureidi) have obtained conservatory orders blocking their arrest.
“We don’t understand why you run to court. What do you have to hide?” the CS asked. In a high-profile case, the DCI is pursuing a couple accused of misappropriating 18 million shillings from the Youth Fund meant to send young people to Dubai.
The DCI has issued summons for Mr. Vincent Omondi Oyugi and his wife Rachel Joki Karioki, directors of agencies Zawadi Jobs Abroad Limited, Glorivan International, and Taoshi-in-Travel.
“They are being looked for by the DCI. They have taken money from the Youth Fund. They have gone away. And we need that money,” CS Alfred Mutua stated.
CS Alfred Mutua reaffirmed the government’s dual mission, punishing fraudsters and protecting legitimate labour migration.“I will ensure that anybody who has been conned receives justice,” Mutua declared.
“This idea of people being conned has to stop. And it will stop. We are going to lock people up.”
He simultaneously celebrated the success of the official programme, noting that 538,000 Kenyans have legally travelled for work overseas since the President took office, with 450-500 people departing daily through verified channels.
Public Advisory
How to Avoid Being Scammed. The task force issued a clear public advisory.
1. DEAL ONLY WITH REGISTERED COMPANIES: Verify the agency is registered with the National Employment Agency (NEA) and the job is listed on the NEA website.
2. NEVER PAY CASH TO INDIVIDUALS: Only pay via official company PayBill numbers or bank accounts—never to a personal mobile number or individual’s bank account.
3. INSUST ON AN EMPLOYMENT VISA: Never travel for a job on a tourist or visitor’s visa. Only an employment visa allows the government to track and protect you. A verification desk exists at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
4. IF IT’S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT IS: Exercise extreme caution with offers that seem unrealistically generous.
“Do not be a victim of trafficking. Do not self-traffic yourself by being reckless,” CS Mutua urged. “Parents, as you take your children to the airport, ensure they have an employment visa. Failure to do that, you are sending your child to danger.”
The Ministry and DCI encouraged victims or those verifying an agency to report to the DCI or contact the National Employment Agency directly.
