The Senate’s resolutions, mandating First Choice Recruitment Agency to reimburse victims with KES 1 billion, are exerting mounting pressure on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to take decisive action.
The Senate Labour Committee has been scrutinizing the alleged defrauding of over 8,000 youth from Uasin Gishu and adjacent counties, totaling more than KES 1 billion.
The affected individuals, hailing from Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, were assured by the recruitment agency of lucrative employment opportunities in Qatar and other foreign nations.
In a report presented to the house, the committee directed First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy to refund fees to the thousands of affected youths within a month. Regrettably, this directive has not been fulfilled, and there are reports indicating that the agency has been issuing bouncing cheques.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei asserted that Parliament, having executed its constitutional duty and presented ample evidence, found that the agency is indebted to more than 5,000 applicants.
“This reflects a blatant disregard for the law, where young people lost millions of shillings. There is substantial evidence for the DCI and EACC to prosecute the perpetrators. However, they have taken no action even after Parliament implicated the agency. We express our disappointment with the DCI and EACC,” said Cherargei.
The Nandi lawmaker further conveyed that they anticipate an update from the committee on the implementation of their recommendations when the House reconvenes in February.
