The growing wave of fraudulent agencies targeting desperate Kenyan youths looking for opportunities abroad continues to wreak havoc, with the latest case involving a company located in Eldoret.
The company, known as Kensimion Tours and Travel Agency, operates out of the Nandi Arcade Building in Eldoret, where it has been reportedly scamming young job seekers under the guise of helping them secure employment in countries like Dubai, New Zealand, and Cyprus, while operating without necessary licenses and permits.
Over 20 victims have reported being swindled, each paying between KSh 100,000 to KSh 250,000 for the promise of jobs abroad only to find that no visas were ever processed.
These false promises of a brighter future abroad have left many in financial ruin and emotional distress.
What makes this situation even more alarming is the fact that the agency has been operating without permission from the Commission of Universities, making it all the more difficult for victims to trace any accountability.
“Hi Nyakundi. I hope you are doing well. There is this Kensimion Tours and Travel Agency located in Eldoret, Nandi Arcade Building. The agency is scamming youths in the name of taking them to Dubai, New Zealand, and Cyprus. The agency doesn’t have a permit or license and no permission from the Commission of Universities. Over 20 youths have been scammed in the name of going to New Zealand, and all paid amounts of money between 100K, 187K, and some even 250K. Unfortunately, no visa was launched for them. Kindly share so we save innocent parents from being scammed by the director of this company. Recently, kuna a lot of complaints — watu wanalia pesa ilienda. Mulika scammer. Kindly hide my identity.”
This scam is the latest in a string of similar incidents involving agencies exploiting desperate youth.
These deceptive operations have become alarmingly frequent, and the government’s failure to address such cases is growing more frustrating.
Recently, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua found himself in the spotlight after Senate hearings exposed troubling revelations about widespread deception tied to government-endorsed overseas job programs.
Testimonies from affected youths painted a picture of confusion, broken promises, and lost money, with some applicants paying thousands of shillings for jobs in the Middle East that never materialized.
Witnesses described chaotic recruitment drives at public venues like the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and Kabete Polytechnic, where hopeful candidates were herded in, asked to pay fees for medical tests and processing, and then sent home empty-handed.
Many never received documentation, receipts, or any form of official follow-up.
Although CS Mutua defended the programme, blaming logistical challenges and communication breakdowns, senators expressed alarm over how many young Kenyans were left in debt or emotionally drained.
The Ministry admitted that dozens of recruitment agencies had been blacklisted, with over 150 others under investigation.
This growing pattern of exploitation, whether orchestrated by shady private operators or enabled through poorly managed government programs, serves as a stark indicator of just how deep the rot runs and how urgently accountability is needed as wave after wave of disillusioned youth come forward with stories of betrayal, lost savings and dreams sold under false pretences.
