A court in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, has directed a man accused of conning unsuspecting job seekers more than KSh12 million to begin refunding his victims.
The accused, Joseph Kipkoech Keino, allegedly swindled at least 18 people by promising them lucrative employment opportunities in Australia. The victims, including university and college students as well as taxi operators, were lured with promises of well-paying hotel jobs with monthly salaries of up to KSh900,000.
According to court documents, Keino collected amounts ranging from KSh300,000 to KSh1.8 million from each victim between March and July 2024. The funds were allegedly presented as application and processing fees for the jobs that never materialized.
The Eldoret Principal Magistrate directed Keino to begin repaying the victims immediately, starting with an installment of KSh150,000 to be deposited by September 29, 2025. Failure to comply will result in the cancellation of his KSh3 million bond. Should that happen, he will be taken into custody at the Eldoret DK Remand Prison.
Keino was first charged in September 2024 and pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges. He was later released on a bond of KSh3 million with a surety of a similar amount. The latest ruling now places him under strict obligation to prove his commitment to restitution.
The victims, many of whom had invested their savings and taken loans in pursuit of the promised jobs abroad, told the court they were left financially crippled and emotionally distressed. The scam not only wiped out their resources but also shattered their hopes of a better future.
The court has scheduled a compliance hearing on October 6, 2025. Keino will be required to demonstrate that he has followed through with the refund directive. If he fails, he risks immediate incarceration.
This case has raised fresh concerns over the rise of fraudulent overseas job placement schemes in Kenya, where desperate job seekers continue to fall prey to scammers who promise high-paying opportunities abroad. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of recruiters before committing funds.
The ruling serves as a stern reminder to fraudsters that the justice system will hold them accountable, while also offering some relief to the victims who had been anxiously awaiting justice and restitution.
