Kenyan authorities have warned young people seeking work abroad to be wary of fraudulent recruitment agents, saying deceptive job offers can expose them to human trafficking, exploitation and dangerous working conditions.

The warning was issued during an outreach programme at Garissa University, where officials from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs urged students to verify job offers, recruitment agencies and travel arrangements before leaving the country.

Anne Moruche, a deputy director at the department, said young people should establish whether overseas employment opportunities were genuine before committing their money or making travel plans.

“Our message to students is simple: Do not pursue overseas employment opportunities without verifying the people and agencies involved,” she said.

Moruche, who represented Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, identified several warning signs of fraudulent recruitment. These include agents demanding money in exchange for jobs, vague employment contracts and pressure to travel at short notice.

She urged prospective migrant workers to confirm that recruitment agencies were licensed by the National Employment Authority and to seek advice from the government when uncertain about an offer.

Job seekers were also cautioned against handing over their passports or other travel documents without a clear explanation. Moruche said those travelling for employment should understand their contracts and obtain the appropriate work visa or permit rather than relying on a tourist visa.

Unusual travel arrangements may also signal danger, she said. These include proposals to route workers through neighbouring countries before taking them to distant destinations.

Concerns over Kenyans recruited into conflict zones

The warning comes amid reports of Kenyans being lured abroad by promises of well-paid civilian employment, only to encounter circumstances that differ sharply from what they were offered.

Reports of Kenyans ending up in military camps and conflict-related situations linked to the war between Russia and Ukraine have heightened concerns about recruitment practices and the safety of citizens seeking work overseas.

The cases have also drawn attention to the information available to prospective migrant workers and the safeguards in place to protect them from deceptive recruiters.

The department encouraged students to consult its official communication channels before accepting offers and to avoid relying solely on recruitment agents or informal networks for advice.

Government promotes safer migration

The Garissa University engagement was part of the Kazi Majuu programme, which aims to provide young people with information on overseas employment, ethical recruitment and the welfare of Kenyans living abroad.

The initiative also highlighted the role of the Kenyan diaspora in supporting economic development at home. Officials discussed opportunities for overseas workers to invest in Kenya, support job creation and maintain links with their families and communities.

Students were also briefed on healthcare and welfare services available to Kenyans abroad, as well as where to seek help when they encounter difficulties in foreign countries.

David Onyango, a student at Garissa University, said the session had helped participants understand why they needed to establish whether advertised jobs were genuine before making travel arrangements.

He said some young people were drawn to the prospect of higher wages abroad without fully understanding the risks, employment requirements and responsibilities involved.

Onyango added that improving academic and professional qualifications would help young Kenyans compete for international opportunities.

Another student, Chris Okech, called for similar outreach programmes in more universities and communities. He said young people needed reliable information on recruitment procedures, documentation and the qualifications required for overseas employment.

Okech also highlighted the value of learning foreign languages and acquiring additional skills to prepare for different working environments.

He said knowing where to seek assistance was equally important, particularly in countries where Kenya does not have an embassy. Local authorities and Kenyan community associations may offer useful support during emergencies, he added.

The students welcomed the initiative and called for more direct engagement between government agencies and prospective migrant workers.

As more young Kenyans look beyond the country's borders for employment, the message from officials in Garissa was clear: an overseas job offer should be verified before it is accepted. For those seeking a better future abroad, checking the details could help prevent a promising opportunity from becoming a dangerous ordeal.