A recruitment agency director accused of defrauding 29 Kenyans of about Sh15 million through a fake overseas employment scheme has been arrested and charged in court after nearly two years on the run, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai, the sole director of Eldoret-based Proline Travel Advisors Limited, was arrested in a joint operation by detectives from the DCI headquarters, the Operations Action Team (OAT), the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and DCI Turbo.
Mr Barmasai is accused of exploiting Kenyans seeking jobs abroad by promising them well-paying work in Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly collected money from job seekers between 2023 and 2024, saying the payments were required for the recruitment and processing of overseas jobs that never materialised.
The victims reportedly paid between Sh200,000 and Sh1 million each, depending on the job placement they were promised, with total losses estimated at Sh15 million. Detectives have so far recorded statements from 29 people who say they were victims of the alleged scheme.
After his arrest, Mr Barmasai was presented before the Eldoret Law Courts on Friday, October 30, 2026, where he was charged with obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code. The case will be mentioned on November 4, 2026.
In a statement, the DCI warned Kenyans against dealing with unverified recruitment agencies, particularly those that promise attractive jobs abroad in return for large upfront payments. It urged prospective migrant workers to check the credibility of recruitment firms and verify job offers before paying any money.
Members of the public who may have been conned through similar schemes were urged to report to the DCI through its anonymous toll-free hotline, 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
Reader Discussion (0)
Sign in to comment