Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced a crackdown to eliminate rogue employment agencies.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, CS Mutua indicated that the operation would target agencies that mistreat workers, especially those seeking work abroad.
The CS added that agencies that v*****e the contract agreement will also be exposed during the operation.
“We will weed out rogue agencies that are mistreating our workers and going against the agreements,” Mutua announced.
The Labour CS made the sentiments after hosting Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
Mutua made it clear that he will convene an urgent meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, to address the issue.
This comes against the backdrop of various concerns raised by Kenyans over losing their money to various employment agencies. In the latest incident, over 300 residents from Eldoret lost their money after being duped with non-existent jobs in Canada.
Following the expose, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii asked the Ministry of Labour to vet the employment agencies operating in the county.
During the meeting, Mutua further informed Atwoli that there are currently 452,000 jobs available in various countries, and the government is committed to facilitating Kenyans in taking up these opportunities.
Pay rise
The minimum wage increment issue was also among the agendas between the Labour CS and Atwoli. CS Mutua informed Atwoli that the government is keen to implement the minimum wage increment issue.
The country is yet to implement a six per cent wage increment, which has threatened to cripple various sectors of the economy. However, CS Mutua assured the workers that they will receive their increased pay.
“I am seized of the matter, and progress is good. The gazettement should happen soon,” the CS said, giving hope to millions of workers eagerly awaiting the pay rise.
The assurance comes even as teachers have threatened to down their tools following the failed implementation of their CBA.
Teachers’ Unions have vowed to stage a nationwide strike over unfulfilled promises, which, if failed to be addressed in time, will affect term three and national examinations.
