Over 100 Kenyans Stranded in Cambodia Over Fake Job Promises, Call for Government Help

No fewer than 100 Kenyan citizens have been left stranded in Cambodia after travelling to the Southeast Asian nation for job opportunities that later turned out to be fraudulent, raising renewed alarm over the growing menace of overseas employment scams targeting vulnerable job seekers.

The affected Kenyans disclosed that they were recruited by agents who assured them of genuine jobs, largely within the beauty and service industries. However, upon their arrival in Cambodia, they reportedly discovered that the promised positions were nonexistent and that the living and working conditions bore no resemblance to what had been presented to them.
Some of the stranded individuals alleged that they are being held in controlled or restricted settings, placed under close surveillance, and in certain cases threatened, making it difficult for them to move around freely or seek assistance. Others claimed they were transported at unusual hours and cautioned against contacting authorities, fuelling fears of possible human trafficking or forced labour.
According to the victims, their journeys were facilitated using visit visas, a situation that left them exposed once the supposed employment arrangements collapsed. With little or no financial means, many say they are unable to pay for return flights and have been informed by local authorities that repatriation expenses must be borne personally.
The group has now appealed to the Kenyan government, calling for urgent diplomatic intervention to ensure their safety and support their return home. The incident has also renewed calls for stricter oversight of overseas recruitment agencies and improved public sensitisation on the dangers of accepting unverified job offers abroad.
Kenyan authorities have consistently warned citizens against securing foreign employment through informal or unregulated channels, particularly in parts of Southeast Asia where cases of labour exploitation and human trafficking have been reported in recent years. As this situation continues to unfold, pressure is mounting on relevant agencies to respond promptly and take measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.