Uasin Gishu Governor Dr Jonathan Bii has ordered a crackdown on individuals and groups suspected to be conning residents in foreign jobs, investment and study deals.
In a statement, Bii says the county will work with security agencies to arrest those who have tarnished the image of the new City of Eldoret and turned it into the "home of scammers".
Residents have in the last three years lost millions in such deals which are under police investigations.
“Our attention has been drawn to recent media reports that have repeatedly portrayed our city, Eldoret, as a hub for scammers,” said Bii.
He said the most recent of these reports was a story aired recently which highlighted the plight of students allegedly defrauded while seeking job and study opportunities abroad.
Governor Bii said that the activities have cast a negative light on Eldorer.
“We want to assure everyone that this is not an accurate reflection of Eldoret,” he said.
Bii noted that as a vibrant, progressive, and cosmopolitan city, Eldoret is home to people from all walks of life and is ever ready to welcome investors and visitors.
“Our county stands as a beacon of growth, opportunity, and innovation,” said Bii.
He said effective immediately, his administration, in collaboration with relevant authorities, will launch a rigorous crackdown on suspected fraudulent operations in the region.
“We will revoke the operating licenses of any agency found to violate regulations within our county," he said.
The county has demanded that the National Employment Authority and the Ministry of Labour enforce stricter vetting processes before approving any applications.
He said there must be accountability at all levels to protect citizens and uphold the integrity of our city.
Bii said Eldoret deserved to be recognized for its achievements, not undermined and tainted by unscrupulous individuals and companies that target hardworking citizens of Uasin Gishu.
“We empathize with the parents and students affected by these deals. It is intolerable that our citizens are being preyed upon by such unscrupulous individuals and agencies,” said the county boss.
He has urged all residents to exercise caution and conduct proper due diligence before committing to opportunities that may later prove to be fraudulent.
“My administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the City of Eldoret continues to thrive as a welcoming and prosperous hub for all,” said Bii.
Uasin Gishu County police commander Benjamin Mwanthi said all cases reported officially were under active investigations.
Officers from the DCI in Nairobi are already in the town to probe the latest suspected fraudulent deals in which some residents including prominent people like Magistrates lost millions.
