The government has deregistered 20 recruitment agencies in its crackdown on unscrupulous entities that exploit job seekers attempting to work abroad. The National Employment Authority (NEA) informed MPs yesterday that the deregistration was prompted by the agencies’ questionable practices.
The NEA reports that some of these agencies deceive vulnerable youths by promising to connect them with job opportunities overseas, only to disappear after collecting their fees. Additionally, some of these firms are said to be backed by influential individuals within the government.
Director General Edith Okoki informed the National Assembly Committee on Diaspora Affairs, chaired by Taita Taveta MP Lydia Haika, that some of the agencies had tried to re-register under different names.
“The last two years have not been easy. Some of the people that we were having issues with had access to high offices…others, once deregistered would attempt to come back with different names” she said .
The deregistered agencies include Gulfway Recruitment Company Ltd, Royal Capital Placement Ltd, Geoverah Africa Safaris Ltd, First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Ltd, and Geoverah Agency Ltd. Other deregistered firms are Daawo Holdings Ltd, Makungu International Ltd, Talent Gateway Ltd, Jakartya Ventures Ltd, and Skill Dove Ltd.
Additionally, Gifted Minds Tours Travel Ltd, Tangofox Ltd, Alemtyaz Travel Agent Ltd, Rhodevo International Ltd, Flexturch Recruitment Ltd, Omran Aly Agencies Ltd, Alsari International Ltd, Leisamis Recruiters Ltd, and Skyward Global Dimensions Ltd have also been removed from the registry.
Director General Edith Okoki stated that the deregistration followed a comprehensive investigation by various agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. While Okoki did not specify the breaches for each firm, MPs have requested detailed information on the reasons behind the deregistrations.
“Can you elaborate why these 20 agencies were revoked?” Haika asked.
Okoki said some of the reasons are confidentially obtained from the National Intelligence Services.
“For some of the agencies, we get direct instructions from the National Intelligence Service,” she said.
Okoki said the investigations were informed by complaints from Mombasa residents against one Fatma Ramadhan, director general of Alhadhramy and Mahla Agencies.
Ramadhan is accused of taking money from youth with the promise of providing job opportunities in Qatar.
“The National Employment Authority took up the matter for further investigations and incorporated the Kenya Association of Private Employment Agencies Coast Disciplinary Committee. Investigations carried out revealed that 51 youths did not travel for work in Qatar as promised,” she said..
