Kenya employment: NEA issues fraud warnings and hiring guidance

The National Employment Authority (NEA) has issued guidance for Kenyans seeking employment abroad, urging job seekers to perform due diligence to avoid recruitment fraud. The NEA advises verifying that recruitment agencies are duly registered and listed on the National Employment Authority Integrated Management System (NEAIMS) portal before making any financial commitments.

This advisory follows investigations into alleged labor and travel agency fraud. Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua reported that 390 cases of alleged fraud were under investigation, with 116 involving travel agents who were allegedly not registered with the NEA or the Business Registration Service. A multi-agency task force, including the Ministry of Labour and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, is currently processing these cases.

Separately, the use of Employer of Record (EOR) services is highlighted as a method for international companies to hire staff in Kenya without establishing a local legal entity. An EOR manages employment administration, payroll, and statutory obligations, while the client company maintains control over the employee’s daily work and performance.