Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced a rigorous crackdown on rogue employment agencies, particularly those mistreating Kenyan workers seeking jobs abroad. The crackdown aims to address violations of contract agreements and ensure the protection of workers’ rights.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, CS Mutua emphasized the government’s commitment to rooting out agencies that exploit and mistreat workers. “We will weed out rogue agencies that are mistreating our workers and going against the agreements,” Mutua declared.
This announcement came after a meeting between CS Mutua and Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli. During their discussions, Mutua assured Atwoli that the government is determined to safeguard the interests of Kenyan workers and hold unscrupulous agencies accountable.
As part of this initiative, Mutua has called for an urgent meeting with private recruitment agencies on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 10 am at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. The meeting will focus on strategies to enhance labour migration and the benefits for Kenyans seeking employment abroad.
“I invite Private Recruitment Agencies to a crucial meeting at 10 am, Wednesday, 21st August, 2024 at KICC, Nairobi. We will discuss strategies on how to enhance labour migration and benefits to Kenyans seeking employment,” Mutua announced.
During the meeting with Atwoli, Mutua also discussed the availability of 452,000 job opportunities in various countries, reaffirming the government’s commitment to helping Kenyans secure these jobs. He expressed optimism that these opportunities would provide significant economic benefits to the country.
In addition to addressing the issue of rogue agencies, the minimum wage increment was another key topic of discussion. Although the country has yet to implement a six percent wage increase, CS Mutua reassured workers that progress is being made, and the increment will be gazetted soon.
“I am seized of the matter, and progress is good. The gazettement should happen soon,” Mutua stated, offering hope to workers who have been eagerly awaiting the wage adjustment.
