Kenyan Youths Warned Against Fake Overseas Job Offers

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has issued a warning to Kenyan youths seeking jobs abroad, cautioning them against fraudulent recruitment agencies that exploit their desperation through misleading social media adverts. These agencies use platforms like TikTok to lure unsuspecting jobseekers with promises of lucrative overseas employment, exposing them to exploitation, human trafficking, and financial losses.

According to Irene Karari, Director of Skills and Expertise at the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, young people should thoroughly scrutinise recruitment agencies and verify their registration with the National Employment Authority before committing to any overseas employment arrangement. This warning was given during the 10th anniversary celebrations of Cascade Institute of Hospitality and the opening of its new campus along the Ruiru Eastern Bypass, Kiambu county.

Karari emphasised the importance of proper background checks, citing cases of Kenyans being trafficked and subjected to inhumane treatment abroad after trusting unverified recruitment opportunities advertised on social media. She cautioned training institutions against allowing unverified recruiters to access their students, stressing that protecting jobseekers begins with establishing the credibility of those offering employment opportunities.

The Director encouraged Kenyan youths to engage the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for guidance and support throughout the overseas recruitment process. She noted that proper preparation and verification are essential safeguards, especially with the growing demand for skilled labour in hospitality, healthcare, and information and communications technology, creating opportunities for Kenyans overseas.

Sylvester Njuguna, founder of Cascade Institute of Hospitality, highlighted the immense opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector for young people. He emphasised that graduates need to develop qualities beyond their technical qualifications to succeed in an increasingly competitive global industry, including professionalism, discipline, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to customer service.

Kiambu Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika and Kouzon Corporation Kenyan Director Zoran Kocoski called for greater international exposure in technical and vocational education to prepare Kenyan graduates for emerging opportunities worldwide. They urged young people to look beyond traditional ways of seeking employment and embrace innovation, taking advantage of opportunities within the country and internationally.

The warning and advice from authorities come as Kenyan youths continue to seek opportunities abroad. Key to avoiding exploitation is verifying the credibility of recruitment agencies and being cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. Key points to note include verifying a recruitment company's registration with the National Employment Authority and being wary of social media adverts that promise lucrative jobs without thorough background checks.

Key points

• Verify a recruitment company's registration with the National Employment Authority.
• Be cautious of social media adverts that promise lucrative jobs without thorough background checks.
• Engage the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for guidance and support throughout the overseas recruitment process.