Labour Committee Calls For Policy Reforms in Kenya Migrant Worker Recruitment
The National Assembly Committee on Labour chaired by Runyenjes MP, Hon. Erick Muchangi met with the State Department for Labour and Skills Development led by Principal Secretary, Mr. Geoffrey Kaituko including National Training Agency (NITA)and National Employment Agency (NEA),Kenya Association of Private Recruitment Agencies (KAPEA) and Association of Skilled Migrant Agencies of Kenya ( ASMAK) on challenges in the recruitment industry. The key focus on assessing the impact of recruitment process in promoting diaspora employment.
These meetings, held in collaboration with the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, aimed to assess the impact of the recruitment process on the promotion of diaspora employment.
Lawmakers raised alarm over the prevalence of corruption within state agencies, particularly NITA, which has given rise to loopholes enabling illegal and unregistered recruitment agencies to operate.
Members of the Committee noted that Private Recruitment Agencies are engaged in fraudulent and unlawful practices to recruit Kenyans, leading to their exploitation. Such practices have even contributed to human trafficking, with young Kenyans being trafficked to the Arab world where they are subjected to abuse and exploitation.
Transparency during the recruitment process also emerged as a key concern, especially with regards to contracts drafted in Arabic. The lack of transparency has led to the substitution of contracts and other forms of exploitation, particularly among female youths seeking domestic work in the Gulf region. High agency fees and underpayment by employers were noted as common issues faced by these workers.
The Private Recruitment Agencies, while facing criticism, also raised valid concerns about the conduct of NITA. They alleged unethical behavior, conflicts of interest, and corruption among NITA officials, further claiming that arbitrary rule changes were affecting their operations negatively. These agencies, which once held a dominant position in supplying migrant workers to the Middle East, asserted that NITA’s inefficiencies were putting Kenya at a disadvantage compared to neighboring countries.
Members of the Committee have called upon the State Department for Labour, KAPEA, and ASMAK to collaborate in formulating policies and regulations that safeguard the interests of Kenyan migrant workers abroad.
The Principal Secretary Mr. Geoffrey Kaituko expressed his commitment to addressing these concerns and announced that the ministry would work collectively with all stakeholders to develop a blueprint that addresses the interests of all parties involved.
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