The government has dismissed reports of a job recruitment drive targeting Kenyans for opportunities in South Korea, terming the offers as fake and cautioning jobseekers against falling prey to fraudulent agents.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 8, State Department for Diaspora Affairs Permanent Secretary Roseline Njogu confirmed that the recruitment advertisements making rounds on social media had no official backing and were part of a scam.

The adverts had claimed to offer jobs in “Rural Plus Centres” located in various counties across South Korea’s Jeollanam-do province, including Haenam, Wando, Jindo, Yeongam, and Jangheung.

Following growing concern from the public, the Kenyan government, in collaboration with its embassy in Seoul and South Korean authorities, launched an investigation into the claims. The probe confirmed that the job listings were fraudulent.

“The State Department, together with the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul and South Korean authorities, has thoroughly investigated the job offers and confirmed they are not genuine,” Njogu stated.

She added that companies mentioned in the adverts had disassociated themselves from the alleged recruitment and affirmed they have no links to any agencies operating in Kenya.

Ministry’s advise

The government is now urging Kenyans to verify all overseas job offers through the ministry’s official contacts or directly with the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul.

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐉𝐎𝐁 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐊𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐀 pic.twitter.com/B3fyXMw0oB

— State Department for Diaspora Affairs | Kenya (@Diaspora_KE) May 9, 2025

“To avoid exploitation, all prospective jobseekers should conduct due diligence and confirm the legitimacy of any job opportunities abroad through the appropriate government channels,” the PS added.

The statement comes amid increasing concern over the number of Kenyans being defrauded in the name of foreign employment. Some victims have lost large sums of money while attempting to secure jobs that ultimately never materialized.

Job’s placement

Appearing before the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua clarified that the government does not directly offer jobs abroad but instead facilitates partnerships with reputable employers.

He noted that some Kenyans who had already secured jobs overseas had failed to travel for several reasons, including lack of travel documents, personal changes of heart, financial constraints, or failure to pass mandatory health tests.

“Job offers come from different sectors, and the government plays a supporting role—not a recruitment one,” Mutua said.

With demand for overseas employment remaining high, officials have emphasized the need for job seekers to remain cautious, verify opportunities, and avoid unauthorized recruiters promising quick placements abroad.