NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 30 – The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has exposed a fraudulent overseas recruitment scheme that targeted three Kenyan women, highlighting the risks posed by unlicensed recruitment agents and forged government documents.
The scheme, intended to send Jeneffer, Matilda, and Caroline to Oman for employment, relied on falsified Ministry of Labour clearances and unverified foreign recruitment claims, officials said.
In a statement released Friday, Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua described the operation as a dangerous attempt to bypass legal migration protocols, putting Kenyan job seekers at serious risk of exploitation.
“The persons behind this scheme should surrender immediately to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) before summonses are issued. Kenyans must be cautious and only engage licensed recruitment agencies to avoid falling victim to fraud,” Mutua said.
The investigation revealed that the recruitment had been facilitated through an informal network, with a contact operating under the name ‘Elijah’s Ticketing Tours,’ reachable on +254100751195.
The individual admitted to having no recruitment license, claiming that his role was limited to ticketing and direct hires.The company claimed to have a primary contact in the Ministry of Labour named Raphael who the ministry said didn’t exist.
“Verification with the Ministry’s Attestation Department confirmed that no officer by this name works in our unit. The stamps used on the recruitment documents were forged, and the supposed Oman work visas do not exist on the official portal,” he said.
The Ministry urged job seekers to undertake due diligence before engaging any recruiter.
“Before engaging anyone on Kazi Majuu, please research the recruitment agency. Check the list of licensed agencies at neaims.go.ke or contact the National Employment Authority through 0800 222 223 or 020 861 0000,” CS Mutua said.
He warned that fraudulent recruitment schemes remain a serious threat to Kenyan workers, especially those seeking opportunities abroad.
“We will not allow unlicensed intermediaries to exploit our citizens. This case is a reminder that illegal recruitment networks exist, and Kenyans must protect themselves,” he added.
The affected women’s passports were reportedly used in the process, but no valid visas were found for travel to Oman.
The Ministry said it is continuing investigations and urged anyone with information about the perpetrators to report to the DCI.
