By Habil Onyango
Unemployment is a serious issue affecting many Kenyans, particularly recent graduates. Unfortunately, a number of scammers are exploiting this situation, making hundreds of thousands by deceiving people with false promises of jobs from county authorities.
Many victims hesitate to come forward due to fear of retaliation, leading to feelings of depression.
In Homa Bay, numerous young people and their parents have been swindled, often without any hope of actual recruitment. The latest victim, Jemima Anyango Simwa, hails from Oyugis town, where she was duped out of a staggering Ksh 170,000 by someone she knew.
On May 1, 2023, she received a letter that falsely claimed to be from the County Public Service Board, stating she had been appointed as a Revenue Clerk II, despite not attending any interviews.
The letter read, “I am pleased to inform you that following the successful interviews held for the above position, the PSB has approved your appointment to the position of Revenue Clerk II. This appointment takes effect from May 1, 2023.”
The letter outlined her duties and responsibilities and stated that she would be placed in Job Group “H” with a monthly salary ranging from Ksh 25,470 to Ksh 33,950. Additionally, she was entitled to a house allowance of Ksh 3,950, a commuter allowance of Ksh 4,000 per month, and a leave allowance of Ksh 4,000.
In December 2023, Jemima received another letter, purportedly from the County’s Department of Health and Medical Services, instructing her to report for duty as a Clerical Officer (II) under a specific reference number.
The letter demanded that she report to the Chief Officer of the Department by January 6, 2024, for further instructions.
This letter was also allegedly signed by County Secretary Professor Benard Muok, who heads the public service. On January 12, 2024, Jemima received a posting letter from the Department of Health Services, supposedly signed by Chief Officer Dr. Kevin Osuri.
The fake letter stated, “You have been posted from the County Health Office to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital to enhance service delivery.”
Due to the travel costs from Oyugis to Homa Bay, Jemima asked her supposed link to arrange for a transfer to a facility closer to her town.
She then received a transfer letter, again purportedly signed by Dr. Osuri, transferring her from the County Teaching and Referral Hospital to Ogamo Health Center in Rachuonyo South Sub County.
Records of M-Pesa transactions show that she paid the fraudulent individual, Reginal Owaka, in installments.
Owaka acknowledged accepting this money but claimed he refunded Ksh 70,000 to Jemima. Additionally, he reported that she reversed another Ksh 30,000 demand for a full refund.
Beatrice Aguko, an accomplice of Owaka who works at the County Government and is a friend of Jemima’s, confirmed receiving Ksh 70,000 from the victim but only forwarded Ksh 35,000, as they had agreed.
Aguko stated that the withheld amount was meant to cover expenses she incurred while assisting the victim, such as transport and accommodation.
Both Professor Muok and Dr. Osuri confirmed that the letters were fake, adding that they had received numerous complaints from unsuspecting people being lured by false job opportunities.
“These letters are fake, and this is not the first time we’ve received such reports. Many people have been deceived; I urge our residents never to fall for such scams. They should follow the official process if any vacancies are announced,” he stated.
The Secretary has directed the investigative team within the Department of Inspectorate to look into these allegations and ensure action is taken against the culprits.
The matter has also been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, which has promised to conduct an investigation.
On March 26, 2025, the Homa Bay County Government, through the Acting Chief Executive Officer Ruth Aloo, halted the salaries of 104 employees following a scrutiny of 158 officers who were not on the manual payroll but were integrated into the new Human Resource Information System, as outlined in a letter signed by the County Secretary.
