ELDORET, Kenya, July 24 –Police in Eldoret have arrested two men suspected of operating a fake recruitment agency, promising over 100 young people jobs abroad and duping them of Sh2,400 each.
The suspects, apprehended by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), were collecting money from the youth at Silver Line back street in Eldoret. The victims were told they would be ferried to Nairobi for further processing.
The two suspects were reprimanded by DCI officers for their alleged involvement in the scam. The victims, who had paid a registration fee of Sh2,400 each, were left stranded and demanding refunds.
Victims Pursue Justice
Over 100 youth camped at Eldoret Central Police station on Tuesday night, demanding compensation for their losses. The authorities intervened, asking the victims to leave and report to the station the following morning to record statements.
The police have commenced an investigation into the matter and are expected to charge the suspects with fraud.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of job seekers and the need for vigilance when dealing with recruitment agencies.
This follows a national crackdown on rogue agents and illegal Labour Mobility Practices by the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr Alfred Mutua on July 18th.
“We will come after you. You risk being taken on a long-term holiday in prison,” Dr Mutua warned.
Kenyans, Dr Mutua added, deserve safe, transparent and dignified access to job opportunities abroad.
He revealed that since the creation of the Labour Mobility Practices Multi-Agency Response Team, they have received 84 formal complaints from victims across 15 counties.
“This has led to a total loss of Sh17.3 million from individuals and entities, falsely purporting to offer job opportunities abroad,” Dr Mutua decried.
Whistleblowers and victims are further encouraged to report to the Multi-Agency Response Team on Toll-free (0800222223), or visit the NSSF buildings, Block C, 7th Floor.
Dr Mutua further pointed most of the grievances arose from unlicensed, unregistered, deregistered, non-tax compliant and non-compliant with labour regulations.
“We will not relent until every rogue individual is held accountable,” Dr Mutua assured.
