Labour CS Kambi revokes licence of agencies recruiting workers to M East

Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi has revoked the licences of the more than 900 agencies recruiting workers for jobs in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

The CS also temporarily suspended the recruitment of domestic workers to these regions, citing the existence of many briefcase agencies and the suffering of Kenyan migrant workers.

He said the recruitment agencies will have to undergo fresh vetting, which is to start immediately. Foreign recruiting agencies in Kenya will also be required to go through the Labour ministry before hiring.

The revocation of licences is likely to affect the more than 80,000 to 100,000 Kenyans already working in these countries under the agencies whose future is now uncertain.

Speaking on Monday during a press conference at his offices in Nairobi, Mr Kambi decried the suffering of so many Kenyan workers abroad. He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Ali Ismail and director of Employment Edith Okoki.

Mr Kambi said they are hoping to sign new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the countries affected to ensure the safety of Kenyan migrant workers is guaranteed.