For many unemployed Kenyans, the search for a job can be a long and frustrating journey. It is a struggle that often leaves applicants vulnerable to people who claim they can influence recruitment processes in public institutions. Reports linked to a member of the Board of Directors at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) have now brought renewed attention to this growing problem.
A whistleblower has claimed that several job seekers paid large sums of money after being promised employment opportunities at KEMRI. According to the source, each victim allegedly handed over more than KSh200,000 with the belief that the payments would secure positions at the institution.
However, months later, the promised jobs had not materialised and the money had not been returned.
The claims have sparked concern because KEMRI is one of the country’s most respected public research institutions. The organisation plays a critical role in medical research and public health and is funded by taxpayers.
As a public institution, recruitment is expected to be conducted through transparent and competitive processes that comply with the Constitution, public service values and guidelines issued by the Public Service Commission.
The whistleblower further alleges that this was not an isolated incident. According to the source, there are several complainants who claim they made payments after receiving assurances that employment opportunities would be secured for them.
The source says records of payments, conversations and other supporting documents exist and can be provided to investigators if required.
The allegations raise serious questions about how individuals claiming to have connections within public institutions continue to exploit unemployed Kenyans.
Every year, reports emerge of job seekers losing money to schemes that promise quick access to government jobs.
In many cases, victims are left without employment and without the savings they sacrificed in pursuit of a better future.
KEMRI falls under the Ministry of Health, and any allegations involving bribery, abuse of office or fraudulent recruitment can be investigated by agencies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
These institutions have the mandate to determine whether any laws were broken and whether those responsible should face legal action.If the claims are supported by evidence, the case could expose a scheme that took advantage of vulnerable job seekers while using the name of a respected public institution.
The complaint as per the report from Nyakundi.
Hello Cyprian Nyakundi. Kindly expose a Board Director at the Kenya Medical Research Institute called Damaris Maweu, who is massively requesting payments in exchange for job placement, and she will never deliver even the job after receiving the bribe.I have supporting evidence regarding this matter and am willing to share it with you, involving several clients each paying her more than 200k. Thanks.
It could also trigger wider scrutiny of the safeguards in place to prevent individuals from exploiting public offices and recruitment processes for personal gain.
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