Activists in Uasin Gishu County Demand Action Against Recruitment Agencies
By Jamila Nasenya
Activists in Uasin Gishu County are calling for the arrest of Chepchirchir, CEO of First Choice Recruitment Agency, accusing her agency of defrauding many residents over an extended period. The allegations come amid growing concerns about the prevalence of unlicensed employment agencies in the region.
Kimutai Kirui, a prominent activist, highlighted that Uasin Gishu has become a hub of corruption, with nearly all employment agencies operating without licenses from the National Employment Authority (NEA). “Uasin Gishu is a paradise for fraudsters; it’s a city of cartels,” Kirui stated. He called for the disbandment of the NEA, claiming it has failed to protect citizens seeking overseas employment.
Benson Akumu, another activist, criticized the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), describing it as a “monster growing within the criminal justice system.” He argued that police officers are demoralized and ineffective, as their work is undermined by the ODPP’s intervention in investigations. “The police conduct investigations and prepare files, but once submitted to the ODPP, it takes over the process, creating charge sheets and determining court appearances,” he explained.
Residents and victims of the alleged scams are demanding the prosecution of agency directors and a reassessment of the ODPP’s role, citing concerns over bias within the justice system. As the situation unfolds, the community continues to press for accountability and reform in the recruitment industry.