How to Apply for Renewal of Recruitment Agency in Kenya

In Kenya, accredited private employment agencies recruiting nationals for local and overseas jobs, including domestic workers to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, must meet specific labor requirements.

They receive a registration certificate valid for twelve months (12) from the date of issuance.

This certification ensures agencies operate within labour legal frameworks and maintain regulatory standards.

To renew a recruitment agency license in Kenya, several eligibility criteria must be fulfilled:

1. Registered Limited Company : The agency should be registered as a limited liability company under the Companies Act, with at least one shareholder being a Kenyan citizen.
2. Directors' Qualifications : Directors are required to have an O-level certificate or its equivalent.
3. Company Manager or Human Resource Manager : The manager must hold at least one degree in a business-related field from a university recognized in Kenya and have relevant experience of no less than three years.
4. Company Share Capital : The agency is required to have a minimum share capital of Ksh. 5,000,000.
5. Valid Business Permit : It is essential to maintain an up-to-date business permit license.
6. Physical Official Office Address : The company should possess a registered office that is fully equipped and measures no less than 225 square feet.
7. Valid Tax Compliance Certificate : A tax compliance certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is necessary.
8. Security Bond : Upon notification of renewal approval, the agency must secure an executed guarantee of Ksh. 1,500,000 with either a bank or insurance agent in Kenya.
9. Police Clearance Certificate : All directors need to obtain valid Good Conduct Certificates.
10. Membership from Recognized Association of Private Employment Agencies : The agency should be affiliated with an association recognized by the Director of Employment and commit to adhering to existing code of conduct provisions.

To renew a recruitment agency in Kenya, you need to submit several documents along with your application to the Director General of National Employment. These documents include:

1. A renewal application letter on the company’s official letterhead addressed to the Director General of National Employment.
2. A certified copy of the certificate of incorporation.
3. Company Articles and Memorandum of Association.
4. Current year's CR12, listing directors, shareholders, and a minimum share capital of Ksh. 5, 000, 000.
5. Copies of academic and professional certificates for Managers and Directors certified by the Ministry of Education.
6. A copy of the business permit issued by the relevant county authority.
7. A valid office lease or tenancy agreement authenticated by a Commissioner for Oaths.
8. Copies of identity cards or passports for all Directors. If any director is a foreigner, a valid work permit is required.
9. A recent passport-sized photographs of the Directors and company manager.
10. A police clearance certificate (good conduct ) from the police for the Directors.
11. A tax compliance certificate for the company.
12. The PIN certificate for the Company.

Log in to the National Employment Agency portal (NEAIMS).

Once logged in, enter the required details of the Agency, its Directors, and Managers.

Then, upload all the documents mentioned above in the required format.

READ MORE: How to Register a Recruitment Agency on NEAMIS Portal

Once documents are submitted on the NEAMIS Portal, the registration process involves a thorough vetting to ensure compliance with regulations. 

The Director of Employment will assign an officer to inspect the premises, focusing on staffing, facilities, and licenses. 

For private employment agencies, all directors and managers must undergo vetting before approval. Registration is finalized upon receipt of reports from both the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the National Employment Authority (NEA) officials. 

Upon confirmation by the vetting committee that all renewal requirements have been met, the following steps are necessary to issue the registration certificate:

• Payment of the full renewal fee within 30 days.
• Proof of membership from a recognized association of private employment agencies.
• Execution of a Kenya Shillings 1.5 million Security Bond with a bank or insurance firm, applicable for agencies involved in foreign recruitment.

NEAIMS Portal

 How to Register a Recruitment Agency on Neaims Portal

Registering a Private Recruitment Agency