CAJ Recommends Disciplinary Action Against Police, NEA Officials Over First Choice Agency recruitment Scam

By Wasike Elvis

The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), Office of the Ombudsman, has recommended disciplinary action against senior police officers in Uasin Gishu County and top officials of the National Employment Authority (NEA) over their role in the First Choice Agency recruitment scandal that defrauded thousands of young Kenyans.

The recommendations are contained in a detailed investigative report released by the Commission following a petition filed by affected youth and human rights defenders. The petition cited fraud, regulatory failures, intimidation of complainants, and alleged collusion by law enforcement officers that enabled the operations of First Choice Agency Recruitment and Consultancy.

Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of the CAJ North Rift Regional Office in Eldoret, CAJ Chief Executive Officer Charles Dulo said the investigation uncovered serious administrative lapses and misconduct by security agencies tasked with protecting the public.

“Our findings reveal disturbing levels of inaction, intimidation, and negligence by officers who were expected to safeguard citizens. Instead of assisting victims, some officers silenced them, creating an environment where fraud flourished,” Dulo said.

Senior Police Officers Implicated

According to the report, several senior officers of the National Police Service violated the National Police Service Act by failing to act on complaints lodged between September and December 2022. Some were also accused of threatening and intimidating victims seeking justice after losing money to the agency.

Those cited include the former Turbo Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO), the current Turbo Deputy SCCIO, the former Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Eldoret Police Station, and the former Officer Commanding Crime (OC Crime) at Eldoret Police Station, who has since been transferred to another county.

The Commission directed the National Police Service Commission to initiate appropriate disciplinary proceedings and submit a compliance report within six months.

NEA Officials Faulted

The probe further implicated senior officials at the National Employment Authority, including the Director-General and the Director of Labour Migration, for regulatory failures that allowed First Choice Agency and related unregistered entities to operate unchecked.

CAJ has instructed the Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development to take disciplinary action against the officials and report back to the Commission.

Youth, Rights Groups Welcome Findings

Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui, who supported affected youth through the Centre Against Torture, welcomed the report, saying it vindicated victims who had been frustrated by compromised systems.

“We thank the CAJ Eldoret office, particularly Mr Lilaco, for standing with victims when law enforcement agencies appeared compromised. We hope other officers will emulate CAJ’s commitment to justice as required by the Constitution,” Kirui said.

Kirui noted that hundreds of young people—many unemployed and desperate for overseas job opportunities—were duped into paying fees of up to KSh40,400 and more, often in cash, without receiving any job placements.

He also warned county government officials against endorsing or attending recruitment forums organised by unregistered agencies.

“When county officials appear at these events, it gives the impression of legitimacy. Unsuspecting residents trust the process and end up losing their hard-earned money,” he said.

A Scam That Sparked National Outcry

The First Choice Agency scandal first came to public attention in late 2022 after youth staged protests in Eldoret, accusing the firm of collecting millions of shillings under the guise of overseas employment and education opportunities, including alleged jobs linked to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Investigations by local media revealed prolonged police inaction, harassment of complainants, and delayed investigations. The matter later reached the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, which in early 2023 recommended a formal investigation by CAJ.

The Commission established that the agency operated through roadshows and social media campaigns, ran satellite offices across several counties, and used unregistered entities to recruit job seekers and students without proper oversight.

Thousands of Complaints Reported

CAJ disclosed that it has received more than 3,000 complaints nationally, many involving maladministration, labour disputes, and land-related injustices.

Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea welcomed the establishment of the CAJ regional office, saying it would ease pressure on courts and help resolve long-standing land disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

“This office will help address land injustices faster and more amicably through mediation and other ADR mechanisms,” Kapkea said.

The Commission reiterated its call for legislative reforms, faster investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the blacklisting of First Choice Agency and its director from future registration.