Eldoret Agencies Shut Down Amid Fraud Crackdown
Nyale urged residents to verify agencies’ credentials to avoid fraud, noting Eldoret’s tarnished reputation due to rampant scams.
Parents pictured during a meeting held on June 6, 2025. Photo/The Star.
By Robert Assad
The government has closed 40 recruitment and travel agencies in Eldoret for fresh vetting after reports of residents losing millions to scams promising non-existent foreign jobs and study opportunities.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Edison Nyale announced the crackdown, citing illegal operations by agencies converting to recruitment firms without proper licensing.
Following a meeting with the National Employment Agency (NEA), Nyale said the county security team decided to halt all agency operations to identify and license legitimate businesses.
“We will arrest and prosecute anyone operating illegally,” he warned during a public sensitization meeting at Rift Valley Technical Training Institute. Nyale urged residents to verify agencies’ credentials to avoid fraud, noting Eldoret’s tarnished reputation due to rampant scams.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua is set to visit Eldoret to address the issue, which has affected over 10,000 youth. Victims like Julius Misoi and Janet Kiptoo called for swift action against fraudulent agencies, describing widespread financial losses.
In a related development, parents impacted by the Sh1 billion Finland education program scam have organized a fundraising event on June 16 at Eldoret Sports Club to raise Sh60 million for 250 students to attend local colleges.
The program, coordinated by Uasin Gishu County, saw parents pay Sh600,000 to Sh2 million, but around 300 students missed out after funds disappeared. “We’ve waited in vain for refunds,” said student Asenath Okerio, appealing for support to restart their education.
The parents, led by Hosea Kibet and others, have also sought assistance from President William Ruto to help recover their losses and support the students’ education.
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