The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three Ministry of Labour officials stationed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for demanding bribes from agents sending workers to the Middle East. The operation, conducted on November 30, 2025, recovered Ksh34,000 in illicit payments. The suspects face processing and bail pending further investigation.
On November 30, 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launched a targeted operation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after receiving reports of routine bribery by Ministry of Labour officials. These officials, manning a clearance booth, allegedly solicited Ksh500 from each agent for every migrant worker heading to the Middle East.
Surveillance by EACC confirmed the practice, leading to collaboration with one agent facilitating the travel of 78 workers. Upon arrival at the booth, the three labour officers calculated the total and demanded Ksh34,000, which the agent handed over. EACC investigators swiftly intervened, arresting the suspects on the spot and recovering the full amount.
"On November 30, 2025, the Commission carried out an operation in collaboration with one of the agents who had 78 migrant workers travelling to the Middle East. At JKIA, the agent met the three Labour Officers manning the booth, and after tabulating the total amount, the officers demanded and received Ksh34,000," EACC stated.
The arrested officials were taken to the Integrity Centre for processing and statement recording. They are set to be released on a cash bail of Ksh50,000 each while the investigation continues. This incident echoes a February 2025 case where EACC apprehended two Kenya Revenue Authority customs officers at JKIA for seeking a Ksh120,000 bribe; authorities later recovered Ksh297,000 in suspected corruption proceeds and a firearm from their vehicles.
EACC emphasized its resolve against such graft: "The Commission reiterates its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points to restore public trust and improve access to quality services for all citizens."