The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has intensified its investigation into the alleged job scam involving First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency, ordering the arrest of its Director, Judy Chepchirchir.

The proposal for her arrest, made by Sen Alexander Mundigi (Embu), was seconded by Sen Mohammed Faki (Mombasa), who also recommended that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) initiate criminal proceedings against Chepchirchir for defying the Committee’s summons.

During the Committee meeting, chaired by Sen George Mbugua, the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) disclosed new details revealing the extent of the alleged fraud. Timothy Nderitu, Director of Corporate Services at ARA, stated that a caveat had been placed on 21 motor vehicles registered under the names of seven key suspects connected to the scheme. Nderitu further explained that investigations uncovered suspicious financial activity, with First Choice Recruitment operating seven bank accounts across five banks, showing clear patterns of money laundering.

“Between 2020 and 2023, these accounts received approximately KShs 300 million, with most of the money being withdrawn in cash just below the reporting threshold, indicating an attempt to avoid detection,” Nderitu said.

He also revealed that 27 additional bank accounts belonging to the suspects were under review, many of which had been emptied despite handling significant sums during the period in question.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr Alfred Mutua also appeared before the Committee, reporting that Judy Chepchirchir and Faith Gichuhi, another Director of First Choice, had been barred from registering, managing or operating any recruitment agency. Dr Mutua added that the company’s registration certificate had expired in February 2023. Furthermore, the Ministry of Labour had published a blacklist of 25 recruitment agencies in today’s local dailies, which included a specific cautionary notice against First Choice.

However, Sen Mbugua raised concerns over the delayed implementation of a recommendation from an October 2023 report, which called for the publication of blacklisted firms within a month of the report’s tabling. Dr Mutua responded that he had recently taken over the Labour CS position and was focused on current actions rather than past bureaucratic delays.

Sen Gloria Orwoba criticised the National Employment Authority (NEA) Board, calling for its disbandment and reconstitution, arguing that it had failed in its mandate, leaving Kenyans vulnerable to fraudulent recruitment agencies. Echoing these sentiments, Sen Samson Cherarkey stated that NEA bore the greatest responsibility for allowing such scams to persist.

Petitioners, led by Mr Kimutai Kirui, accused the directors of First Choice of operating with impunity, using proxies to continue their illegal activities despite ongoing investigations.

Dr Mutua reassured victims of the scam that his Ministry would assist them in seeking justice and securing alternative employment opportunities abroad. He urged Kenyans to perform due diligence before engaging with recruitment agencies, highlighting that relevant information is available on the National Employment Authority’s website.