Bomet Teacher Recruitment Scam Exposed as Job Seekers Lose Sh40 million

A fraudulent teacher recruitment scheme targeting job seekers in Bomet County has been exposed, with victims losing over Ksh40 million to fraudsters posing as officials from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Four suspects, including a TSC Director from Konoin Sub-County, a former Bomet County Woman Representative candidate, and two practising teachers, have been arrested in connection with the scam. They were arraigned in the Bomet Law Courts, where investigators secured a 14-day custodial order to allow for further inquiry. 

Authorities suspect that the network extends beyond Bomet, with links to Kericho, Narok, Kisii, and Nyamira counties. The fraudsters allegedly targeted unemployed teachers, offering forged appointment letters for permanent and pensionable positions in exchange for large sums of money. 

Victims, often desperate for employment, sold property or borrowed money, only to discover that the jobs were non-existent. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is leading the probe, with a commitment to dismantling the syndicate. 

The investigation continues as authorities work to identify and apprehend additional suspects involved in the racket. The scam comes at a crucial time for Kenya’s education sector, with the government set to recruit 24,000 teachers in early 2026, part of a broader plan to address a teacher shortage. 

President William Ruto's announcement to recruit 100,000 teachers by 2027 has raised hopes for job seekers, but also created a window for fraudsters to exploit the situation. The Teachers Service Commission has reiterated that it does not charge fees for recruitment and urged the public to verify job offers through official channels. 

The DCI has also provided a toll-free line and WhatsApp contact for victims to report their cases.