First Choice Recruitment Directors Barred as CS Mutua Condemns Agency for Defying Deregistration in Scandal Involving 8,000 Victims
The Directors of First Choice Recruitment Company Barred from Operating as CS Condemns the Agency for Defying Deregistration
The directors of Eldoret-based First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy have been barred from managing any recruitment agencies in Kenya, as the firm continues to operate in defiance of its deregistration. Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has condemned the company, expressing his dismay over its disregard for the law, despite a scandal involving 8,000 victims who were defrauded in a fake job placement scheme.
Speaking during a session with the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, Dr. Mutua described the ongoing operation of the agency as both illegal and exploitative. The firm, led by directors Ms. Judy Jepchirchir and Ms. Faith Wariga Gichuhi, had its registration revoked after its certificate expired in February 2023. However, the company has continued to operate, causing frustration among Kenyans, many of whom lost significant amounts of money.
“It’s alarming that despite being deregistered and blacklisted, First Choice Recruitment has continued its operations. This firm has exploited 8,000 victims, and the ministry is committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” Dr. Mutua told the committee, chaired by nominated senator George Mungai Mbugua.
The fraudulent scheme saw victims, many of them from Uasin Gishu County, pay substantial sums of money for promised jobs abroad that never materialized. Petitioners, led by Uasin Gishu-based human rights activist Mr. Kimutai Kirui, presented their grievances to the Senate, accusing the directors of operating with impunity.
“There is clear evidence that the directors of First Choice have continued to operate through proxies, even after their deregistration,” Mr. Kirui noted during the session. He further claimed that Ms. Jepchirchir had allegedly threatened officers from the National Employment Authority (NEA) who attempted to enforce the deregistration order.
“These directors have not only defied the law but have also threatened government officers. We need strong action to stop this exploitation,” Mr. Kirui added.
Dr. Mutua confirmed the allegations, stating, “It’s unfortunate that NEA officers were threatened while trying to uphold the law. This level of impunity cannot be tolerated.”
In response to the scandal, the Senate Committee issued arrest warrants for Ms. Jepchirchir and Ms. Gichuhi after they failed to respond to repeated summons.
Dr. Mutua called on Kenyans to exercise caution and report any suspicious recruitment activities to the authorities. “We urge all Kenyans to perform due diligence before engaging with any recruitment agency. Information on registered and accredited agencies is available on the National Employment Authority’s website,” he emphasized.
The CS reassured the victims that the government is working to seek justice for those affected by the fraudulent scheme and to secure alternative employment opportunities abroad. “The ministry is committed to supporting those who have suffered, and we are in the process of creating new opportunities for legitimate employment placements,” Dr. Mutua stated.
In a bid to prevent further exploitation of job seekers, Dr. Mutua announced plans to introduce a rating system for recruitment agencies, which will promote transparency and ethical practices in the sector. Additionally, community feedback mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure full compliance with existing regulations.
“We are determined to protect Kenyans from rogue agencies like First Choice Recruitment. The new measures we are implementing will enhance oversight and promote self-regulation within the recruitment sector,” Dr. Mutua concluded.
Dr. Mutua was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Labour, Shadrack Mwadime, and National Employment Authority Director-General, Edith Okoki, during his presentation to the Senate committee.
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