By Robert Mutasi 
A director of an Eldoret-based recruitment agency has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged Sh15 million overseas employment fraud that left dozens of Kenyans counting losses.
Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai, the sole director of Proline Travel Advisors Limited, was arrested after reportedly remaining on the run for nearly two years over allegations of defrauding job seekers through a fake overseas employment recruitment scheme.
His arrest followed a coordinated operation involving detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, Operations Action Team (OAT), Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and officers from DCI Turbo.
According to investigators, Barmasai allegedly used his recruitment agency to lure unsuspecting Kenyans with promises of lucrative employment opportunities in Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.
However, the promised overseas job placements allegedly never materialised, despite victims paying substantial amounts of money as recruitment and processing fees.
Investigations indicate that the fraudulent activities took place between 2023 and 2024, with individual victims reportedly losing between Sh200,000 and Sh1 million.
So far, 29 people have recorded statements with detectives, with the total reported losses estimated at approximately Sh15 million.
The arrest brings renewed attention to fraudulent overseas recruitment operations targeting Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly young people hoping to secure better-paying jobs outside the country.
Following his arrest, Barmasai was arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts on October 30, 2026, where he was expected to answer to charges of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.
The case is scheduled for mention on November 4, 2026.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has cautioned members of the public against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agencies and urged prospective overseas job seekers to thoroughly verify employment offers and the legitimacy of recruitment firms before making payments.
The agency has also encouraged victims of similar recruitment scams to report their cases to the relevant authorities to facilitate investigations and possible prosecution of those involved.
The arrest is a significant development in the investigation into the alleged Sh15 million fraud, which reportedly affected dozens of Kenyans who had hoped to secure employment opportunities overseas.
Baraka Simba 
Eldoret Leo