Police Recruit Arrested After Conning Kenyan of KSh687,000 in Fake KDF Job Scam
A Kenyan job seeker has lost KSh687,000 after a police recruit allegedly promised him a guaranteed job in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), only to disappear shortly after receiving the money.
The suspect, a constable undergoing training at the National Police College, Embakasi A Campus, was later arrested, exposing yet another recruitment scam targeting desperate job seekers.
How the KDF Scam Unfolded
Investigators from Kayole Police Station say the suspect approached the victim on November 12, 2025, claiming he could secure him a guaranteed position in the KDF.
According to police, the victim was asked to pay KSh687,000 in exchange for an official appointment letter. After receiving the money, the recruit allegedly switched off his phone and vanished, cutting off all communication.
With no letter, documentation, or proof of recruitment, the victim reported the matter to police.
Detectives launched investigations and later traced the suspect to the National Police College in Embakasi, where he was arrested and taken into custody.
Police say the suspect is currently being processed and will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded.
Recruitment Scams on the Rise
The case adds to a growing list of fake recruitment scams involving the KDF and the National Police Service.
In December 2025, a nephew of Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli was charged with defrauding job seekers of KSh2 million in a fake police recruitment scheme.
During the same period, detectives arrested two women in Nairobi CBD accused of selling counterfeit National Police Service recruitment letters to unsuspecting youths.
Authorities say these cases reveal an alarming trend of fraudsters exploiting unemployment and the desire for stable government jobs.
DCI Issues Fresh Warning
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has reiterated that all government recruitment processes are free and conducted only through official channels.
Police warn that:
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No money is required for recruitment
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There are no guaranteed slots
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Appointment letters are never sold
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Recruitment is publicly advertised and transparent
Fraudsters often exploit the public’s trust in uniformed officers and the appeal of secure employment to carry out scams.
A Cautionary Tale for Job Seekers
Police say the arrest of the Embakasi-based recruit should serve as a warning to Kenyans seeking jobs in the security sector.
Paying for a job in the KDF, NPS, or any government agency can lead to devastating losses. Authorities urge the public to verify recruitment notices, use official platforms, and report anyone demanding money in exchange for employment.