Eldoret Man Ordered to Refund Ksh. 12 Million in Job Scam Case
The case has sent alarm among citizens, as instances of job recruitment scams still run high in Eldoret and the country at large
The victims were 18 in number, comprising college students and taxi drivers. They were reportedly led to believe that Keino would be able to secure better-paying jobs abroad for them. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Court Orders Repayment to Victims
Eldoret court has ordered a man, who is charged with defrauding innocent job seekers, to begin repayment of the more than Ksh. 12 million that he is alleged to have swindled them. The directive was issued by Principal Magistrate Cherono Kesse, who instructed the suspect, Joseph Kipkoech Keino, to begin repayment on September 29, 2025.
The victims were 18 in number, comprising college students and taxi drivers. They were reportedly led to believe that Keino would be able to secure better-paying jobs abroad for them.
False Job Opportunities in Australia
From court hearings, the suspect had deceived his victims by claiming that he was capable of securing employment placements in Australia’s hospitality sector. He promised them jobs working in hotels as service men and women, with the enticing package of a Ksh. 900,000 monthly salary, meals and accommodation.
Impressed by such guarantees, all the victims surrendered sums ranging between Ksh. 300,000 and Ksh. 1.8 million. This was between March and July 2024, as Keino acted as a plausible link to foreign employers.
Warning from the Magistrate
In delivering her judgment, Magistrate Kesse cautioned the accused that he would have his Ksh. 3 million bond revoked in case he did not comply with her directives. In such a case, Keino would be rearrested and remanded back to Eldoret GK Prison.
As proof of commitment to the repayment plan, the court directed him to deposit an amount of Ksh. 150,000 at the end of the month. The case will be mentioned on October 6, 2025, to verify whether the order has been met.
The Charges Against Keino
Court documents explain that Keino is charged with obtaining money through fraudulent pretense, as opposed to the Penal Code. The charge sheet proves that the suspect was given money by all 18 victims on the pretence of securing them jobs overseas.
When he first made an appearance in court during September 2024, Keino pleaded not guilty to the offenses. He was, however, released on a Ksh. 3 million bail with a surety of the same value pending hearing and determination of the case.
A Rising Trend of Job Scams
The case has sent alarm among citizens, as instances of job recruitment scams still run high in Eldoret and the country at large. The majority of youths, blinded by the possibility of working overseas, have been swindled by fraudsters and outfits that prey on their innocence.
The court’s stern ruling in the case sends a warning to scammers and gives hope to victims of fraud who seek justice and compensation.
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