Kasarani Recruitment Firm Under Scrutiny for Alleged Job Fraud
A recruitment agency operating in Kasarani, Nairobi, is being accused of orchestrating a fraudulent job placement scheme that has left hopeful job seekers stranded in Gulf countries like Qatar and the UAE. The agency, known as Jofagra Agency, is allegedly collecting money under the guise of securing foreign employment, but fails to deliver on its promises once candidates arrive overseas.
The accusations were brought to light by a recent victim, who claims that the agency’s operator — a man identified only as Joseph — demanded upfront payment for travel processing and job placements. The complainant provided receipts bearing the agency’s name and Joseph’s signature, asserting that despite numerous refund requests, the agency has neither provided a job nor returned the money.
In a plea for justice, the victim stated, “They sent me to Dubai without a job. When I asked for my money back, they dismissed me. Their Facebook page is still active, luring more unsuspecting youth.”
Social Media Used to Attract Youth With False Promises
Jofagra Agency’s Facebook page has been cited as a key tool in its recruitment strategy, showcasing glowing promises of well-paying jobs abroad in sectors like hospitality and security. However, those who fall into the trap often discover that the advertised opportunities do not exist.
The complainant urged young Kenyans, particularly Gen Z, to remain vigilant and consider reporting such scams to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Jofagra now joins a long list of agencies accused of running illegal or unethical overseas recruitment schemes. Most of these operations lack proper accreditation and use furnished offices or social media platforms to appear legitimate.
Once victims pay processing fees, they are often left with no work permits, no job contracts, and, in the worst cases, stranded in foreign countries without any support.
These agencies often manipulate applicants by creating a false sense of urgency, warning that travel slots are limited or that documentation must be processed immediately. This pressure discourages due diligence and pushes desperate job seekers into parting with their money without asking the right questions.
Call for Accountability Amid Weak Enforcement
Despite frequent reports and public outcries, many of these fraudulent outfits continue to operate due to inconsistent enforcement and regulatory loopholes. Victims frequently report being misled by forged offer letters or vague terms like “hospitality job” without any further details.
Government bodies such as the National Employment Authority (NEA) and DCI have been called upon to take stronger action, but enforcement has remained spotty. In many instances, discredited agencies simply rebrand under a new name and resume operations.
