Overseas jobs scam: DCI nabs recruitment agency boss after 2 years on the run

Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai, the sole director of Eldoret-based Proline Travel Advisors Limited, was arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, Operations Action Team (OAT), Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and DCI Turbo.

According to the DCI, Barmasai allegedly targeted Kenyans seeking employment abroad by promising them lucrative jobs in Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.

However, the promised opportunities allegedly failed to materialise after the victims paid recruitment and processing fees to secure the jobs.

29 victims report losses

The DCI said the alleged scam took place between 2023 and 2024, with victims reportedly losing between Sh200,000 and Sh1 million each.

So far, 29 people have recorded statements with detectives, with the total reported losses estimated at approximately Sh15 million.

The suspect had been on the run for nearly two years before detectives from several DCI units, working alongside officers from DCI Turbo, arrested him.

The case highlights the risks faced by job seekers who pay large sums of money to recruitment agencies in the hope of securing employment opportunities abroad.

Suspect faces fraud charges

Following his arrest, Barmasai was arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts on Friday, October 30, 2026, to answer to charges of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.

The matter is scheduled for mention on November 4, 2026.

The charges are allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.

DCI warns job seekers

The DCI has cautioned Kenyans against falling prey to unscrupulous recruitment agencies, urging prospective migrant workers to verify the legitimacy of overseas employment opportunities before paying any recruitment or processing fees.

The agency also urged anyone who may have fallen victim to similar schemes to share information through its anonymous toll-free hotline, 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000 under the #FichuaKwaDCI initiative.

The DCI says reporting suspected recruitment fraud can help investigators identify other victims and pursue those responsible