Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai, the sole director of Eldoret-based Proline Travel Advisors Limited, was arrested and charged in court after nearly two years on the run. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) alleges that Barmasai used his agency to lure job seekers with promises of lucrative employment opportunities in Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. He collected money from them as recruitment and processing fees.
According to the DCI, Barmasai's agency promised job seekers lucrative employment opportunities abroad, but the promised placements did not materialize. Investigations indicate that between 2023 and 2024, victims paid amounts ranging from Ksh.200,000 to Ksh.1 million in anticipation of securing jobs abroad. So far, 29 people have recorded statements with detectives, with their reported losses estimated at approximately Ksh.15 million.
The DCI arrested Barmasai through a collaborative effort between detectives from the DCI headquarters, the Operations Action Team (OAT), the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), and DCI Turbo. Barmasai was arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts on Friday, October 30, 2026, where he was charged with obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.
The case will be mentioned on November 4, 2026. The DCI has urged Kenyans seeking employment abroad to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and job offers before paying any fees. This caution comes as a result of the increasing number of job scams targeting unsuspecting Kenyans.
The DCI's efforts to combat job scams have been intensified in recent years, with several cases reported across the country. In this particular case, Barmasai's arrest brings relief to the victims who had been seeking justice for nearly two years. The DCI's investigation is ongoing, and more suspects may be arrested in connection with the scam.
Job scams have become a significant concern in Kenya, with many Kenyans seeking employment abroad. The DCI's warning to Kenyans to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and job offers is crucial in preventing such scams. Kenyans are advised to be cautious when dealing with recruitment agencies and to research thoroughly before making any payments.
Barmasai's arrest and subsequent charges demonstrate the government's efforts to crack down on job scams. The case serves as a warning to those engaging in such activities and a reassurance to victims that justice will be served. The DCI will continue to investigate and prosecute those involved in job scams, and Kenyans are urged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Key points
- The suspect, Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai, was arrested and charged in court after nearly two years on the run for defrauding 29 Kenyans of approximately Ksh.15 million in a fake overseas employment scheme.
- The DCI has urged Kenyans seeking employment abroad to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and job offers before paying any fees to avoid falling victim to job scams.
- The case will be mentioned on November 4, 2026, and the DCI's investigation is ongoing, with more suspects possibly to be arrested in connection with the scam.
