The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three officials from the Ministry of Labour based at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for allegedly extorting agents facilitating migrant workers traveling to the Middle East.

This followed a report to the Commission alleging that Ministry of Labour officials at JKIA routinely solicit and receive bribes for each migrant worker traveling to the Middle East, prompting the commencement of an inquiry.

EACC officers conducted surveillance and confirmed that, indeed, agents sending migrant workers to the Middle East were paying Kes500 per worker before the workers were cleared to travel.

On  November 30, 2025, the Commission carried out an operation in collaboration with one of the agents who had “78 migrant workers” traveling to the Middle East.

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Labour Officials Allegedly Received Bribe

At JKIA, the agent met the three Labour Officers manning the booth, and after tabulating the total amount, the officers demanded and received Kes34,000.

EACC investigators immediately moved in, arrested the suspects, and recovered the Kes34,000 from them.

The arrested officials include: Benson Ouma Okello, Esther Njoki Gakuru, and Denis Marias.

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Suspects Released on Cash Bail

The three suspects were escorted to the Integrity Centre for processing and statement recording.

They will be released on a cash bail of Kshs50,000 each, pending completion of the investigation.

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.

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JKIA entrance. PHOTO/Courtesy.