The government has stepped up a crackdown on individuals and groups conning residents of Eldoret in foreign jobs, investment and study scams.
This comes as Labour and Skills Development PS Shadrack Mwadime revealed they have already flagged 16 agencies operating without the necessary certifications.
The probe was done by the ministry in collaboration with DCI and police.
The state is urging those looking for jobs abroad to conduct due diligence to avoid falling prey to such fraudsters.
“The ministry wishes to notify Kenyans that all job advertisements or any job offers or demand letters must have been approved by the National Employment Authority director general,” Mwadime said in a statement to newsrooms.
It comes in the wake of yet another scandal in Eldoret, where some 300 people are said to have been conned money with promises of non-existent jobs in Canada.
The company is alleged to have taken between Sh300,000 and Sh350,000 from the residents for their visas and other requirements.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has also ordered for a crackdown on the agencies.
He said the county will work with security agencies to arrest those who are tarnishing the image of the new City of Eldoret.
Residents have in the last three years lost an estimated Sh10 billion in such scams which are under investigations.
“Our attention has been drawn to recent media reports that have repeatedly portrayed our city as a hub for scammers,” Bii said.
He said the most recent of these reports was the one where students were allegedly defrauded while seeking job and study opportunities abroad.
Governor Bii said while the activities have cast a negative light on Eldorer, “we want to assure everyone that this is not an accurate reflection of our city.”
The governor said as a vibrant, progressive and cosmopolitan city, Eldoret is home to people from all walks of life and is ready to welcome investors and visitors.
“Our county stands as a beacon of growth, opportunity and innovation,” he said.
Bii said effective immediately, his administration, in collaboration with relevant authorities, will launch a rigorous crackdown on the fraudulent operations in the region.
“We will revoke the operating licenses of any agency found to be in violation of regulations within our county,” he said.
The county has demanded that the National Employment Authority and the Ministry of Labour enforce stricter vetting processes before approving any applications.
He said there must be accountability at all levels to protect citizens and uphold the integrity of Eldoret.
Bii said Eldoret deserved to be recognised for its achievements, not undermined and tainted by unscrupulous individuals and companies that target hardworking citizens of Uasin Gishu.
“We empathise with the parents and students affected by these scams. It is intolerable that our citizens are being preyed upon by such unscrupulous individuals,” said the county boss.
He urged residents to exercise caution and conduct proper due diligence before committing to opportunities that may later prove to be fraudulent.
“My administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the City of Eldoret continues to thrive as a welcoming and prosperous hub for all,” Bii said.
Uasin Gishu county police commander Benjamin Mwanthi said all cases reported officially were under active investigations.
Officers from the DCI in Nairobi are already in the town to probe the latest scam in which some residents including prominent people like magistrates, lost more than Sh1 billion in an investment scam.
Source: theStars .co.ke
Original writer: BY MATHEWS NDANYI