Heartbreaking Stories in Eldoret Over Qatar Jobs Scam

Rose Jepkirui was thrilled when she heard about a job opportunity in the Middle East in May 2022. 

The program had been launched by Uasin Gishu leaders which gave her confidence that it was legitimate. She eagerly applied for the chance to work abroad, hoping for a better life. The agents promised various jobs, including security, cashier, and housekeeping, which was especially appealing since there were no jobs available locally. Unfortunately, Jepkirui was among the many victims of the Qatar jobs scam that conned hundreds of Uasin Gishu parents and youths out of millions of shillings. 

On Thursday, at a meeting with the Senate Committee on Labour at the county assembly, victims shared their stories of how they were promised employment at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, only to be scammed out of their hard-earned money. The director of the recruitment agency involved in the scam, Judy Jepchirchir, did not attend the meeting.  There were tears and heartbreak as victims of the job scam recounted their experiences to a Senate committee. Many had sold their homes and belongings or taken out loans to pay the fees required for the promised job opportunities abroad. 

When the jobs failed to materialize, some were left destitute. It remains a devastating experience for all involved, and many are still struggling to cope with the aftermath.  During a visit to Ms Korir's home in Mosop, Nandi County, the press witnessed her emotional turmoil as she struggled to cope with her situation. As a physically disabled woman and a victim of the scam, Ms Korir is unable to provide for her family and they are in dire need of assistance.

The victims have appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and help them out of their predicament. Similarly, Eliud Kipsang, who lives in Lower Sossiani, Turbo, and is also a victim of the suspected 'First choice' recruitment agency scam, revealed that his parents had to sell their assets to secure the opportunity. He lamented that leaders are shielding the recruitment agency officials responsible for the scam.