The government has sounded the alarm over the rising number of foreign job scams targeting unsuspecting Kenyans, urging the public to remain vigilant as cases continue to escalate.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, April 7, State Department for Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu cautioned that many Kenyans are falling victim to fraudulent schemes disguised as legitimate overseas employment opportunities.

“Despite our consistent advisories indicating that there are no job opportunities in Thailand, Kenyans are still being duped into believing they’re headed there for work, only to find themselves trapped in scam compounds in Myanmar,” Njogu said.

The PS highlighted the growing involvement of human trafficking syndicates, revealing that unscrupulous agents are exploiting job-seekers by charging them hefty sums for non-existent opportunities abroad.

“Victims are ending up in scam operations, coerced into commercial sex work or subjected to forced labour and slavery-like conditions,” she added.

Njogu affirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks, disclosing that several investigations are currently underway.

She also urged Kenyans seeking employment abroad to ensure they possess the correct documentation, noting that many of the victims had left the country on tourist or visitor visas rather than proper work permits.

“In the past month alone, the government has successfully repatriated 175 Kenyans who were trafficked to scam compounds in Myanmar, where they were forced into criminal activities,” she revealed.

As part of its response, the government has established a verification desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

The desk is tasked with conducting pre-departure checks to confirm that those traveling under labour mobility arrangements hold valid work visas and are genuinely headed for employment.