NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 31 – The Commission on Administrative Justice has called for disciplinary action against senior officers in the National Police Service and top officials at the National Employment Authority after investigations into the controversial First Choice Agency uncovered alleged misconduct and regulatory failures.
In a report prompted by complaints from affected youths and human rights groups, the commission said some police commanders in Uasin Gishu County ignored multiple fraud reports, allegedly intimidated complainants and failed to protect vulnerable job seekers targeted by the recruitment scheme.
CAJ Chief Executive Officer Charles Dulo said the probe revealed “alarming inaction and negligence” by officers mandated to enforce the law, creating room for the operation to continue while discouraging victims from pursuing justice.
“Our investigations revealed clear negligence and failure to act on credible complaints, which allowed the fraudulent scheme to thrive at the expense of vulnerable job seekers,” Dulo said.
Among those cited are officers who oversaw investigations and station administration at Eldoret Police Station at a time when numerous complaints were lodged but little action was taken.
“Public officers entrusted with protecting citizens must be held accountable when their inaction or misconduct enables exploitation and injustice,” he added.
The commission directed the National Police Service Commission to initiate disciplinary proceedings and submit a progress report within six months.
It also faulted senior NEA officials, including the director-general and the head of labour migration, for weak oversight that allowed the agency and other unregistered recruiters to operate unchecked.
Further, CAJ asked the Ministry of Labour and Skills Development to take administrative action against the implicated NEA officers and inform the commission of the measures taken.
The investigation followed claims that the agency collected hefty cash payments from applicants with promises of overseas jobs and study placements that never materialised.
