Written By Lisa Murimi
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has intensified its probe into the First Choice Recruitment Agency, ordering the arrest of Director Judy Chepchirchir.
This follows allegations that the agency orchestrated a fraudulent job scheme, leaving 5,000 youths stranded.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi led the call for her arrest, urging the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure accountability.
Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki supported this motion, citing Chepchirchir’s failure to respond to several Senate summons.
Timothy Nderitu, Director of Corporate Services at the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA), revealed that 21 motor vehicles linked to suspects in the scheme had been flagged, with proceeds of over Ksh1 billion traced back to Uasin Gishu County victims.
Nderitu also highlighted suspicious financial activity, noting that First Choice operated multiple accounts across five banks, receiving Ksh 300 million between 2020 and 2023.
Labour CS Alfred Mutua, also present at the session, confirmed that First Choice was unauthorized and its directors had been banned from registering recruitment agencies by the National Employment Authority (NEA).
Mutua reassured victims that his Ministry would help them secure alternative employment and urged caution when dealing with recruitment agencies.
Calls to disband the NEA were made, with Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba criticizing its failure to protect citizens.