Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to Summon the Director of First Choice Recruitment and Consultany Agency
Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare led by Sen. George Mbugua today held a hybrid meeting with the CS Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Commissioner Immaculate Kassait of Data Protection Commission, Representatives of Mr. David Langat and Petitioners of the Petition on alleged fraud by the First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency.
The Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection confirmed that indeed First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency is currently not allowed to operate since it’s license expired on 18th February 2023 and has since not been renewed as the Committee is yet to receive background security reports notably from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) which is mandatory. Also, it was noted that despite being in possession of personal and sensitive data of various people, the Company does not have a license from the Data Protection Commission.
She further informed the Committee that the existing legal framework does not afford adequate protection to job seekers against the activities of rogue recruitment agencies; and that the penalties for malpractices by employment agencies are not deterrent. The CS however, explained that the draft Labour Migration Management Bill, 2023 has introduced additional clauses to regulate recruitment agencies and hold them more accountable to the persons recruited through their agencies. In addition, the Bill has also defined illegal recruitment and proposed hefty penalties.
From an evidence presented to the Committee on job advertisement done by the First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency on 22nd July 2023, it was apparent that the Agency is still operating despite not having the required license! The CS was categorically directed by the Senators to move with speed to stop the Agency’s ongoing operations at once as they are illegal.
The Director of First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency Judy Jepchirchir failed to honour the Committee invite hence the Committee resolved to issue her with Summons.
Sen. Miraj Abdulrahman, Sen. Alexander Mundigi were physically present in the meeting while Sen. Mohamed Faki and Sen. Crystal Asige joined the meeting online.
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