A recruitment agency director accused of defrauding job seekers approximately Sh15 million through a fraudulent overseas employment scheme has been arrested and arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts.

Isaac Kipkemei Barmasai, the sole director of Eldoret-based Proline Travel Advisors Limited, was arrested on Thursday, October 29, 2026, by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, Operations Action Team (OAT), Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and DCI Turbo.

According to a statement issued by the DCI, Barmasai had been on the run for nearly two years over allegations that he defrauded unsuspecting Kenyans by promising them lucrative employment opportunities in Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.

The suspect allegedly collected recruitment and processing fees ranging from Sh200,000 to Sh1 million from job seekers between 2023 and 2024, but failed to secure the promised overseas employment opportunities.

The DCI said 29 victims had so far recorded statements with detectives, with the reported losses estimated at approximately Sh15 million.

Barmasai was arraigned on Friday, October 30, 2026, where he was charged with obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.

The case is scheduled for mention on November 4, 2026.

The DCI cautioned members of the public against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agencies, urging prospective migrant workers to verify the legitimacy of employment opportunities and recruitment firms before paying any fees.

Members of the public who may have been defrauded through similar schemes have been urged to report the incidents through the DCI’s anonymous toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.

 By Fredrick Maritim