CS Mutua slams First Choice Recruitment Agency for defying deregistration

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has expressed his dismay over Eldoret-based recruitment agency, First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy, which continues to defy its deregistration status.

The CS made the remarks while addressing the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare during a presentation on the implementation of a report linked to a major recruitment scam involving the agency.

The recruitment firm, led by directors Judy Jepchirchir and Faith Wariga Gichuhi, has been at the center of a controversy in which over 1,000 people were defrauded, losing their money after being promised jobs abroad that never materialized.

Despite being deregistered, the company continues to operate in an attempt to stay relevant, much to the frustration of affected Kenyans.

CS Mutua informed the committee chaired by Nominated Senator George Mungai Mbugua that the directors are now barred from registering, managing, or operating any recruitment agency in Kenya.

He revealed that the company's registration certificate expired in February 2023, and it is currently among a list of blacklisted agencies that are prohibited from operating.

“The ministry has published a list of 25 agencies that have been blacklisted in local dailies, including a specific cautionary notice against First Choice Recruitment. We will ensure that Kenyans are protected from rogue agencies like this one,” Mutua stated.

Petitioners, led by Kimutai Kirui and other residents of Uasin Gishu County, brought the case to the Senate, alleging fraud and misconduct by the recruitment agency.

The petitioners accused the directors of operating with impunity, using proxies to continue their activities.

Once again, the directors failed to respond to summons from the Senate, prompting the committee to issue arrest warrants against them.

Mutua reassured victims of the scam that his ministry would help them not only seek justice but also secure alternative employment opportunities abroad.

He urged Kenyans to perform due diligence before engaging with any recruitment agency, highlighting that all relevant information is available on the National Employment Authority’s website.

To further protect Kenyans, Mutua emphasized that his ministry would strengthen community feedback mechanisms to ensure full compliance with existing laws by recruitment agencies.

He added that a rating system would be introduced to assess all registered agencies, promoting ethical recruitment practices and enhancing self-regulation.

The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Labour, Shadrack Mwadime, and National Employment Authority Director-General, Edith Okoki.