NAIROBI, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested two key suspects linked to a Sh20 million fraud targeting Kenyan youth under the Kazi Majuu labour mobility programme.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said Vincent Omondi Oyugi and Rachael Njoki Kariuki were apprehended after a day-long manhunt, despite ignoring police summons and public calls to surrender.
The suspects are accused of defrauding dozens of job seekers through Zawadi Jobs Abroad Ltd, operating in partnership with Briven International and Taushi Tours and Travel.
“I wish to commend the DCI for arresting the masterminds behind the defrauding of innocent Kenyans recruited by Zawadi Jobs Abroad Ltd,” Mutua said.
The CS confirmed that investigations will be expanded to cover all affected youth, including those who received Youth Fund monies.
“They will now be processed in accordance with the law. I have requested the DCI to widen the scope of investigations to ensure justice for all affected youth,” he said.
Mutua reassured the public that the Kazi Majuu Programme remains operational and effective, and vowed to eliminate rogue agents in the labour export sector.
“My commitment to eradicate unscrupulous individuals who prey on the desperation of our young people is unwavering,” he said.
Multi-agency task force
Earlier, Mutua disclosed that a multi-agency task force investigating travel agency and labour mobility fraud had received 390 complaints from Kenyans. Fifteen cases have been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for review.
Of the complaints, 116 involve travel agents. Some companies accused of defrauding Kenyans were found to be unregistered with the National Employment Authority (NEA) or the Business Registration Service, an offence under Kenyan law.
Two victims have already been reimbursed: Nachors Mutua Mwendwa by Cyprian Mwanzia, and Bonface Maina Mugo by Janet Wanjiku Mwangi.
Several cases are ongoing in court, including charges against Brian Reeves Obare, Pondi Collins of Zian Travel Agency, David Mwiti Konyanga, and Obony Edwin Omondi. Some companies, however, have obtained conservatory orders delaying prosecution.
Public advisories
The ministry urged job seekers to verify agents on the NEA website, travel only on employment visas, and avoid paying fees via personal accounts or in cash.
Parents were cautioned against allowing children to travel abroad without valid employment visas due to trafficking risks.
Mutua said the fraud cases have declined significantly as the government cleans up the labour mobility sector.
Since 2022, 538,000 Kenyans have travelled abroad for work, with numbers expected to reach one million within 12 months. Currently, 450–500 people depart daily for overseas employment.
