The Ministry of Labour is now seeking partnership with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the Directorate of criminal Investigations 9DCI) to crackdown on rogue job agencies.

Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the partnership will play a key role in addressing the growing growing menace of rogue individuals and agencies preying on innocent Kenyans desperate for job opportunities abroad.

In a meeting attended by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, tDCI boss Mohamed Amin and DPP Renson Ingonga among other government officials, Mutua said they deliberated on coordinated strategies to decisively deal with the criminal enterprise that is undermining the gains made in expanding safe and legal labour migration opportunities for Kenyan youth.

The CS said as result, they agreed on establishment of a Multi-Agency Taskforce to investigate and prosecute the fraudulent actors swiftly and thoroughly.

“We are deeply concerned by the rising number of cases where unscrupulous individuals have been masquerading as licensed recruitment agents, defrauding our people under the false promise of overseas employment, only to disappear with their hard-earned money and shatter their dreams,” said Mutua.

He said the multi-agency taskforce will comprise Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, ofice of the Attorney General, DCI, office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Asset Recovery Agency, Financial Reporting Centre, Directorate of Immigration, State Department for Diaspora Affairs and other relevant state agencies.

This team’s goal will be to harmonise investigations, fast-track prosecutions, and eliminate bureaucratic delays that often allow perpetrators to walk free.

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“Files will no longer be hidden in scattered police stations or slow-moving offices. The DCI will work closely with the DPP to ensure cases are handled efficiently whether a file is ready for prosecution, needs more evidence, or should proceed to court immediately,” said Mutua.

He said the Ministry is also engaging the Judiciary to explore the possibility of fast-tracking labour fraud cases, so that offenders are dealt with swiftly and justice is served.

“Those who have deliberately defrauded Kenyans must face the full force of the law. We are serious about dismantling these criminal networks,” he said.

While maintaining that companies are registered by people, and we will not allow any individual to hide behind company names, Mutua said everyone responsible whether as directors, brokers, or collaborators will be held personally accountable.

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“I now issue this call to the public: If you have been conned if an individual or agency took your money in exchange for a promised job opportunity abroad that has not materialised for six to eight months or more, and you have not received a refund please come forward. Bring all relevant documents, including proof of payment and communication records,” he said.

The CS insisted that Kenya’s labour migration strategy is solid, and we will not allow criminals to sabotage it.

“We are creating structured, safe, and dignified pathways for our people to work abroad. This mission cannot be derailed by con artists. We are determined to protect the integrity of our programmes and the dignity of our people,” the CS said.