Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has disclosed that his government has launched an immediate crackdown on employment agencies in the county.
In a statement on Sunday, August 18, Bii stated that his administration will revoke the licenses of agencies found to be violating regulations.
The governor went on to say that Eldoret, a newly proclaimed city in the county, was a beacon of opportunity and that the scams perpetrated by a few agencies were not a true reflection of the city.
"As a vibrant, progressive, and cosmopolitan city, Eldoret is home to people from all walks of life and is ever ready to welcome investors and visitors alike. Our county stands as a beacon of growth, opportunity, and innovation.
"Effective immediately, my administration, in collaboration with relevant authorities, will launch a rigorous crackdown on these fraudulent operations. We will revoke the operating licenses of any agency found to be in violation of regulations within our county," Governor Bii stated.
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At the same time, the county boss asked the National Employment Authority and the Ministry of Labour to enforce stricter vetting processes before approving any applications.
He expressed his sympathy to parents and students affected by the scams and urged them to do their due diligence before committing to any opportunities.
"We urge all residents to exercise caution and conduct proper due diligence before committing to opportunities that may later prove to be fraudulent," Bii added.
His remarks come after a number of parents claimed to have lost millions after they were duped by an Eldoret-based agency.
The agency reportedly promised the victims jobs in Canada but demanded that they pay Sh350,000 each to facilitate their travel, but they have not yet travelled abroad.
In 2023, First Choice Consultancy and Recruitment, a consultancy agency based in Eldoret, defrauded several residents of millions of money under the guise of offering them jobs abroad.