Over 100 Kenyans Stranded in Cambodia After Fake Job Offers, Seek Government Intervention

More than 100 Kenyan nationals are reportedly stranded in Cambodia after travelling to the Southeast Asian country on job offers that later turned out to be false, sparking fresh concerns over overseas recruitment scams targeting desperate job seekers.

The affected Kenyans say they were recruited through agents who promised legitimate employment opportunities, mainly in the beauty and service sectors. However, upon arrival in Cambodia, they discovered that the jobs did not exist and their living conditions were drastically different from what was advertised.

Several of the stranded individuals claim they are being kept in restricted environments, closely monitored, and in some cases threatened, making it difficult for them to move freely or seek help. Some allege they were transported at odd hours and warned against contacting authorities, raising fears of possible human trafficking or forced labour.

The group says their travel documents were arranged under visit visas, leaving them vulnerable once the promised employment failed to materialise. With limited financial resources, many say they cannot afford return tickets and have been told by local authorities that repatriation costs must be covered personally.

Appeals have now been directed to the Kenyan government, urging diplomatic intervention to secure their safety and facilitate their return home. The situation has also reignited calls for stronger regulation of overseas recruitment agencies and better public awareness about the risks associated with unverified job offers abroad.

The Kenyan authorities have repeatedly cautioned citizens against accepting foreign employment through informal channels, especially in parts of Southeast Asia where cases of labour exploitation and trafficking have been reported in recent years. As this latest case unfolds, pressure is mounting on relevant agencies to act swiftly and prevent similar incidents in the future.