Detectives have arrested a person of interest linked to a fake government jobs recruitment scam that drained job seekers of more than Ksh8.6 million through false promises of employment in state agencies.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the scheme involved promises of jobs in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service (NPS), and the Public Service Commission (PSC). Victims paid large sums after being told they would secure government positions.

DCI reported that the person of interest received Ksh8,621,141 from job seekers who believed they were paying for genuine recruitment opportunities. Officers said the funds came from multiple victims who responded to recruitment claims linked to disciplined forces and public service jobs.

“The long arm of the law has finally caught up with a suspect accused of orchestrating an elaborate employment scam that fleeced desperate job seekers of more than Sh8.6 million through fake promises of securing government jobs,” DCI said in a statement posted on X on July 5, 2026.

The case began after victims reported the matter at Baragoi Police Station. Detectives from DCI Samburu North opened investigations and identified the person of interest as a key link in the fraud network.

Police said the person of interest went into hiding after complaints were filed and ignored several police summonses. Investigators later tracked him to a hideout in Nairobi, where officers arrested him and moved him to Samburu for processing.

Vehicles seized in probe

During the operation, detectives recovered two vehicles believed to have been purchased using proceeds from the scheme. The vehicles include a Toyota Axio, registration KCW, and a Toyota Mark X, registration KCY. Police detained the vehicles as exhibits while investigations continue.

The person of interest appeared before the Maralal Law Courts on July 3, 2026. The court allowed detectives to hold him for 10 days to complete investigations. He remains in custody and is due back in court on July 13, 2026.

DCI warned that fake recruitment schemes continue to target job seekers across the country, especially those seeking opportunities in security agencies and public service. The agency urged the public to confirm all recruitment notices through official channels before making any payments.

Authorities also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious recruitment activity through the DCI toll-free line or WhatsApp number.

Employment fraud remains a recurring problem in Kenya, with scammers exploiting high demand for government jobs. Detectives say such networks often rely on false promises and fake recruitment claims to collect money from unsuspecting applicants.