A recruitment agency director accused of defrauding Kenyans of approximately KSh15 million through a fake overseas employment scheme has been arrested after nearly two years on the run.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspect as Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai, the sole director of Eldoret-based Proline Travel Advisors Limited.
Barmasai was arrested by detectives drawn from DCI Headquarters, the Operations Action Team (OAT) and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), working alongside officers from DCI Turbo.
How did the Eldoret recruitment agency defraud job seekers?
According to the DCI, the suspect allegedly operated a fraudulent recruitment scheme targeting Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Through his agency, he reportedly promised job seekers lucrative placements in Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. However, the promised opportunities allegedly never materialised, with victims losing money they had paid as recruitment and processing fees.
The alleged fraud took place between 2023 and 2024, with individual victims reportedly losing between KSh200,000 and KSh1 million.
So far, 29 people have recorded statements with detectives, with their reported losses adding up to approximately KSh15 million.
What charges is Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai facing?
Following his arrest, Barmasai was arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts on Friday, October 30, where he was charged with obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.
The case is scheduled for mention on November 4, 2026.
The DCI has cautioned Kenyans against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agencies, urging job seekers to verify the legitimacy of overseas employment opportunities before paying any fees.
Those who may have been affected by similar schemes have been encouraged to share information anonymously through the Fichua Kwa DCI toll-free hotline, 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
