In a move to protect its citizens from exploitation, Kenya's Labor and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, has vowed to crack down on rogue agents who have been defrauding unsuspecting job seekers. The agents, who promise lucrative jobs abroad, have left over 5,000 Kenyans stranded in Qatar, living as refugees.

The victims, who were lured with promises of employment during the World Cup period, paid between Sh200,000 to Sh250,000 (approximately $1,800 to $2,250 USD) for the opportunity. However, they never received the promised jobs and are now stuck in Qatar, relying on the International Organization of Migration for daily sustenance.

Mutua revealed that his ministry is working to purge the system of these fraudulent agents, who have infiltrated even government-announced recruitment exercises. In a recent incident, rogue agents were caught collecting passports from job seekers, charging them for services that were supposed to be free.

Kenya has a history of exporting labor, with recent examples including a deal to send 1,500 workers to Israel despite the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The country is also exploring opportunities to send skilled labor to countries like Germany.

The move to tackle rogue agents is significant for the tech and startup community, as it highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the recruitment process. It also underscores the importance of protecting workers' rights, particularly in the face of increasing labor exports. As Kenya continues to explore opportunities for its citizens in the global labor market, it must ensure that they are protected from exploitation and abuse.