Government Slaps Employment Agencies With KSh 500k Registration Fee

• The government revised changes in the recruitment agency registration policy starting September 23
• Labour Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua announced the changes that will affect all employment agencies
• Mutua said those registering for the first time will pay KSh 500,000, and the licence will last for one year

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Employment agencies seeking approval to operate in Kenya will now pay KSh 500,000 for registration.

Mutua said the new certificate will be valid for one year, upon which the company will be required to renew.

How much is renewal fee for employment agency?

Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, September 19, the CS noted that existing recruiters will pay a KSh 500,000 renewal fee after two years.

"Under this new framework, the initial registration certificate for new agencies will be valid for one year, at a cost of KSh 500,000. Additionally, the renewal period for existing agencies will now be extended to two years, priced at KSh 500,000 for the full two-year period," said Mutua.

The Labour CS noted that existing agencies could pay renewal fees in yearly instalments at KSh 250,000 for one year.

Mutua directed The National Employment Authority (NEA) to effect the changes from September 23, 2024.

"These changes will streamline the licensing process and ensure that agencies are fully compliant with the law. The National Employment Authority (NEA) has now staffed its compliance section to enforce these new regulations," he said.

What was the initial licence fee?

Private Foreign and Local Recruitment agencies pay KSh 500,000 registration and renewal fees after a year.

Private Recruitment for Local Agency pays KSh 250,000 for both registration and renewal.

With the new changes, recruitment agencies could pay the same amount regardless of whether they operate locally or internationally.

Mutua said the new changes will tame challenges relating to agencies carrying out recruitment in the country, especially those taking Kenyans abroad.

Ruto's govt abroad jobs plan

President William Ruto revealed he secured one million jobs for Kenyans in 19 countries abroad, asking the youth to take advantage.

Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary (PS) Shadrack Mwadime asked the youth to apply for the vacancies through the National Employment Authority portal.

The president sympathised with the youth unemployment crisis, recalling his experience of not finding employment until his election as MP.

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