Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai, a suspect in a Ksh 15 million overseas job scam, has been arrested and arraigned in court in Eldoret, Kenya. Barmasai, the sole director of Eldoret-based recruitment agency Proline Travel Advisors Limited, is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent recruitment scheme targeting unsuspecting Kenyans seeking employment abroad. He allegedly lured job seekers with promises of lucrative employment opportunities in countries such as Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
The arrest was made by a team of detectives from DCI Headquarters, the Operations Action Team (OAT), and Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), working alongside their counterparts from DCI Turbo. Barmasai had been on the run for nearly two years, and his arrest brings relief to the many victims who were defrauded of large sums of money. The suspect's agency allegedly charged victims amounts ranging from Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 1 million as processing and recruitment fees.
According to reports, 29 victims have come forward and recorded statements with detectives, with estimated losses totaling approximately Ksh 15 million. The scam operated between 2023 and 2024, with Barmasai's agency, Proline Travel Advisors Limited, at the center of the fraudulent activities. The DCI has urged prospective job seekers to verify the legitimacy of overseas employment opportunities before parting with their money.
Barmasai was arraigned at 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 suspect's case has raised concerns about the prevalence of unscrupulous recruitment agencies in Kenya.
The DCI has cautioned members of the public against falling prey to such agencies, emphasizing the need for due diligence when seeking overseas employment opportunities. Kenyans seeking employment abroad are advised to research and verify the credibility of recruitment agencies and job offers to avoid losing money to scammers.
The Kenyan government has been urged to take more stringent measures to regulate the recruitment industry and prevent such scams from occurring in the future. The case against Barmasai is ongoing, and it is hoped that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may be engaging in similar fraudulent activities.
The suspect's arrest and arraignment mark a significant milestone in the fight against job scams in Kenya. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing and prosecuting individuals involved in such scams, and victims are encouraged to come forward and report any suspicious activities.
Key points
- The suspect, Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai, was arrested and arraigned in court for masterminding a Ksh 15 million overseas job scam.
- The scam targeted unsuspecting Kenyans seeking employment abroad, with victims losing amounts ranging from Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 1 million.
- The DCI has urged the public to verify the legitimacy of overseas employment opportunities and to be cautious of unscrupulous recruitment agencies.
