The government has admitted to serious flaws in Kenya’s overseas employment system, gaps that have left many citizens vulnerable to abuse and trafficking abroad. Principal Secretary for Labour, Shadrack Mwadime, outlined new mandatory safeguards for all Kenyan job seekers.
A CRITICAL WARNING ON VISAS
Mwadime issued a stern warning against travelling on tourist visas for work, calling it a major trap. “A visitor’s visa cannot be converted into a work permit abroad,” he stated. “Those promoting this are often involved in human trafficking. The correct work permit must be secured in Kenya before you travel.”
The new verification system
To ensure only genuine opportunities reach Kenyans, the government has launched a strict two-step verification process:
1. Job Verification Abroad: All foreign job vacancies must be physically verified by Kenyan embassies and labour attachés in the destination country. They confirm the job exists directly with the employer.
2. Attestation in Kenya: Once a job offer is made, the Ministry of Labour assesses it to ensure fair wages, decent living conditions, and compliance with international labour standards.
All verified jobs must be listed on the National Employment Authority (NEA) website.
Cleaning Up the Recruitment Sector
The government has aggressively vetted private agencies, slashing licenses from 1,200 to about 600. Deregistered agencies are named and shamed in red on the NEA site, while compliant ones are listed in black.
Increased Post-Employment Support
Labour attachés are now mandated to maintain direct contact with Kenyan workers abroad and provide official channels for reporting problems, strengthening post-deployment protection.
Your Safety Checklist:
- NEVER travel for work on a tourist visa.
- VERIFY every job offer and recruitment agency on the official NEA website.
- CONFIRM the agency is listed in black, not red.
- ENSURE your work permit is processed in Kenya before departure.
The message is clear: a safe, structured pathway for overseas employment exists. Use it. Verify every step through official channels to protect your rights and secure your future.