Kenya’s Overseas Jobs Scheme Rocked by Scandal and Broken Promises

A major scandal is brewing in Kenya’s overseas jobs scheme. Dozens of desperate job seekers, lured by government-backed promises of work abroad, now face months of silence, empty pockets, and shattered dreams.

After paying thousands of shillings to licensed recruitment agencies, these hopefuls have received no job offers, no updates, and—most painfully—no refunds.

Government officials defend the program, but unanswered calls, vague explanations, and vanishing agents indicate a troubling pattern.

Is this a case of negligence, incompetence, or a well-orchestrated con cloaked in official approval?

Labour CS Dr. Alfred Mutua has urged those feeling defrauded to report the issue to police. He also warned against making false claims, stating that such actions could lead to prosecution. [Photo/Courtesy]

The Overseas Jobs Scheme Under Fire

Kenya’s much-hyped overseas jobs scheme—promoted as a gateway to better opportunities—has become a nightmare for many job-seekers.

At least 48 Kenyans, who paid substantial fees to private agencies tied to the government, now feel cheated and abandoned.

These agencies include Global Face Human Resources Ltd, Monisa Company Ltd, and Mallow SmartHires Ltd. Each promised swift job placements abroad. Instead, applicants have been met with months of silence.

Some victims paid up to Sh15,000 in the hope of escaping poverty and starting new lives overseas. In return, they’ve received vague promises, missed deadlines, and no refunds.

A Web of Government-Backed Agencies

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, alongside the National Employment Authority (NEA), partnered with several private recruitment firms to manage job placements overseas. Among the registered agencies are:

• Bluewave Agency

• DRA Agency

• Epic Manpower

• Global Face Human Resource

• Iceberg Agency

• Mallow Smart Hires

• Monisa Agency

• Shakale Agency

• Workstar Agency

The ministry appointed Moses Mbithi as the unofficial coordinator of these agencies. Despite his central role, Mbithi is not a civil servant.

His position raises red flags, with insiders questioning how he got such authority. One Ministry of Labour official revealed that Mbithi regularly held meetings in official offices.

When journalists and concerned Kenyans tried to contact him, he ignored multiple calls and texts. Despite promising to provide answers, he disappeared from communication—a move that has only fueled suspicion.

Victims Speak Out

Dennis Moberu, a 30-year-old farmhand, believed he was on the brink of change in October. After spotting an ad for jobs abroad, he paid Sh15,000 to Global Face Human Resources Ltd.

The agency instructed him and 40 others to take medical tests. Confident they were close to leaving, many, like Moberu, borrowed money from relatives and friends to cover the costs.

But the promises never materialized. While some were told they would fly to the UAE in two weeks, nobody left.

Months later, their hopes have turned to frustration. “We kept calling, kept asking—but nothing,” said one victim.

Government’s Denial and Blame Game

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has denied any wrongdoing. He insists that the system is functional and that everyone who wants a refund can get one.

“No one was conned,” he said. “If they no longer want to wait, they can get their money back. Many are still scheduled to travel—some even this week.”

Mutua has urged those feeling defrauded to report the issue to police. He also warned against making false claims, stating that such actions could lead to prosecution.

His strong words have left many job seekers confused and afraid. Some fear that speaking out could get them into more trouble, while others feel trapped in bureaucratic limbo.

Cracks in Overseas Job Scheme

What’s most troubling is the lack of accountability. Despite the government’s promises, there appears to be no proper oversight of these agencies. Victims allege that refunds are not being issued and that officials are dodging responsibility.

The presence of unverified individuals like Moses Mbithi in the scheme, the silence from recruitment agencies, and the lack of clear communication from the ministry all point to a deep-rooted failure.

While some agencies may indeed be legitimate, the scandal has exposed a loophole in Kenya’s labour export system—one that’s easily exploitable and potentially dangerous.

The overseas jobs scheme was supposed to offer hope. Instead, it has delivered disappointment, debt, and distrust.

Kenyans seeking to improve their lives are now stuck in a cruel waiting game, unsure of what happened to their money or their future.

Until the Ministry of Labour acts decisively—launching investigations, enforcing refunds, and holding rogue agents accountable—this scheme will remain nothing more than a scam with a government seal.