Quick answer: Use only recruitment agencies registered with the National Employment Authority (NEA) or government-to-government programmes, check the agency on NEA’s list, and get the job offer and contract in writing before paying anything. Prepare a passport, a certificate of good conduct, academic and professional certificates and, for many jobs, a medical test. Walk away from agents who demand big upfront "processing" fees, keep your passport or promise visas in days.
Genuine Routes to Work Abroad
| Route | What it is |
|---|---|
| NEA-registered private agencies | Licensed recruiters for jobs in the Gulf, Europe and elsewhere |
| Government labour mobility programmes | Placements announced by the Ministry responsible for labour and diaspora affairs |
| Direct employer applications | Applying on employers’ own career pages (common for nurses, IT and engineers) |
| Professional schemes | Skilled-worker visas that require recognised qualifications and language tests |
Documents You Will Need
- Valid passport (apply on eCitizen early).
- Certificate of good conduct from the DCI (apply on eCitizen).
- Academic and professional certificates, verified where required.
- Medical examination at an approved centre for many Gulf jobs.
- A CV tailored to the role (see our CV guide on this blog).
How to Check an Agency
- Search the agency name on the National Employment Authority’s list of registered agencies.
- Visit their physical office; get a written job offer naming the employer, role, salary, hours and benefits.
- Ask for the employment contract before travel and keep a copy.
- Confirm the employer exists (website, address, references).
- Pay only official fees, against receipts.
Red Flags of Fake Agents
- "Pay now or lose the slot."
- No written contract, or a contract different from what was promised.
- Requests to keep your passport.
- Visa "guaranteed in three days".
- Interviews only on WhatsApp with no employer details.
Before You Travel
- Register with the Kenyan embassy or mission in that country if available.
- Save emergency contacts and the embassy number.
- Share your contract and employer address with family.
- Know your rights: rest days, salary payment, who holds your passport (you should).
Example: A Nurse Applying the Safe Way
A registered nurse applies through a licensed agency listed by NEA. She receives a written offer naming the hospital, salary and housing, verifies the hospital online, completes language and licensing exams for the destination country, and pays only the receipted official fees. Her family keeps copies of every document.
Your First 30 Days
- Week 1: get or renew your passport and certificate of good conduct.
- Week 2: shortlist 3 NEA-registered agencies and check them.
- Week 3: prepare certificates and a tailored CV.
- Week 4: apply and insist on a written offer and contract.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying cash to individuals without receipts.
- Handing over your passport.
- Travelling on a visit visa to "find work".
- Ignoring the contract details.
Stay safe: never pay a "registration", "activation" or "withdrawal" fee to get paid, and never share your password or M-Pesa PIN. Real online income comes from people paying for your content, products or skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a job abroad from Kenya?
Use NEA-registered agencies or government programmes, prepare your documents and insist on a written contract.
How do I know if a recruitment agency is genuine?
Check it on the National Employment Authority list, visit the office and get a written offer.
What documents do I need to work abroad?
Passport, certificate of good conduct, certificates and often a medical test.
Can I get a job abroad without experience?
Some roles accept beginners, but skilled jobs need qualifications and experience.
How much does it cost to get a job abroad?
Costs vary; pay only official, receipted fees and avoid large upfront "processing" fees.
Should I give my passport to an agent?
No. Keep your passport yourself.
Cover photo: A passport resting on a travel suitcase. Photo: Passport and Luggage by Sean MacEntee, CC BY 2.0.
