By Andrew Kariuki
Police in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County, have ordered the immediate closure of a recruitment facility operated by Suluhisho Africa Limited, citing alleged human rights abuses, poor living conditions, and expired operational licences.
The facility, located in Bondeni estate, was being used as a temporary holding centre for Kenyans seeking employment abroad, particularly in Gulf countries.
The operation followed a distress call from one of the women housed at the premises, prompting a multi-agency raid that exposed what authorities described as deplorable conditions.
Njoro Sub-County Police Commander Stanley Koech said investigations revealed that more than 60 women were living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with reports of restricted movement, harassment and withholding of personal travel documents.
Some of the women alleged they had been held at the facility for months without clear communication regarding their travel timelines, with others claiming they were threatened or mistreated when they sought answers.
Authorities further noted that the rooms were poorly ventilated, with reports of bedbug infestations, unhygienic sleeping areas, and an unclean kitchen.
Investigations also established that key operational licences had expired, including a Nakuru County Government permit that lapsed on December 31, 2025, and a National Employment Authority licence that expired on March 18, 2025.
As a result, the multi-agency team ordered the immediate and indefinite closure of the facility and directed the management to vacate the premises within 48 hours pending further investigations and compliance with legal requirements.
Officers also recovered multiple passports, some belonging to individuals not present at the facility, raising concerns over the handling of personal documents. Additional documents were confiscated to aid ongoing investigations.
Authorities said they are investigating possible violations, including human rights abuses and irregular recruitment practices.
However, the facility’s management has pushed back against the closure. Advocate Abuya Mogendi, representing Suluhisho Africa Limited director Peninah Makhapila, said they would move to court to challenge the decision.
Mogendi claimed the operation was politically motivated and that his client was being targeted by individuals threatened by her work.
“We are not happy how the police handled the whole situation. It is a private residence. We have expressed instructions, Monday morning we will be in court to challenge the notice; before they come here within the 48 hours they will have the orders from court,” he said.
Authorities have maintained that the closure was necessary to protect the welfare of individuals at the facility and ensure compliance with the law, urging the public to report suspicious activities in similar establishments.
