The arrest of a teacher in Bungoma County has brought attention to claims that unemployed teachers were asked to pay money in exchange for help securing jobs through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested Lilian Nelima Buluma, a teacher at Friends School Kamusinga Boys High School, on October 12, 2026, following preliminary investigations into complaints that she had demanded money from three unemployed teachers while claiming she could help them secure employment.
According to the commission, Buluma allegedly demanded KES 100,000 from each of the three teachers, bringing the total amount sought to KES 300,000.
Investigators further indicated that she had received KES 150,000 through M-Pesa as part of the money allegedly demanded.
The complaints centre on claims that the teacher presented herself as having connections within the TSC and other government offices that could help the unemployed teachers obtain jobs.
The commission is investigating whether those claims were used to convince the complainants to pay money in return for assistance with recruitment.
The case raises concerns about the vulnerability of job seekers who may be willing to spend their savings in the hope of securing employment. For unemployed teachers seeking opportunities in public schools, recruitment promises involving payments to individuals can expose them to financial loss, particularly when such promises are presented as a way to gain access to government employment.
The TSC is responsible for managing the recruitment and employment of teachers in public schools, making the integrity of its recruitment process important to both job seekers and the education sector.
Claims that individuals can use personal connections to secure employment in exchange for money can undermine confidence in a process that should be conducted fairly and transparently.
However, the claims against Buluma remain subject to investigation, and the circumstances surrounding the payments will need to be established through the relevant legal process.
Following her arrest, Buluma was taken to the EACC Western Regional Office for processing before being booked at Bungoma Police Station. She remained there as investigations continued, according to the commission’s statement.
The EACC said the suspect could face charges of requesting and receiving a bribe, contrary to Section 6 as read with Section 18 of the Anti-Bribery Act, 2016.
The possible charges relate to the commission’s investigation into the money she is accused of demanding and receiving from the three teachers.
The outcome of the investigation will determine the next steps in the case, including whether formal charges will be brought against her.
The commission has continued to pursue cases involving suspected bribery and other forms of corruption in public service.
Its work includes investigating complaints, gathering evidence and taking appropriate action where there is sufficient basis to proceed under the law.
The Bungoma case also serves as a reminder to job seekers to exercise caution when approached by individuals claiming they can secure public employment in exchange for money.
Applicants should verify recruitment information through official channels and avoid relying solely on promises of personal connections or special access to government offices.
The EACC reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption and promoting integrity in public service as investigations into the matter continue.
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