The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been granted 14 more days to continue probing four suspects linked to the Kazi Majuu programme, where the government allegedly lost more than Sh70 million meant to support Kenyan youths seeking jobs abroad.
Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina allowed investigators to proceed with the probe against Rahma Ochieng Pacho, Rachael Njoki Kariuki, Vincent Oyugi Omondi, and Samuel Kibuti Njue, who are described as the main suspects in the alleged scam.
The court ordered the four to report to the DCI once every week as investigations continue.
Public Interest Case, Court Told
The DCI told the court the matter was of public interest, noting that taxpayers lost more than Sh70 million intended to uplift Kenyan youth through the Kazi Majuu labour export programme.
Chief Inspector Leah Ambiche, the investigating officer, said the suspects are being investigated for conspiracy to defraud, abuse of office, proceeds of crime, and money laundering-related offences.
How the Alleged Scheme Unfolded
The court heard that the matter was reported to the DCI’s Nairobi Regional Offices by Rahma Pacho, a director of Zawadi Jobs Abroad Limited.
Ambiche testified that Pacho alleged Rachael Njoki Kariuki and Vincent Oyugi Omondi, who are wife and husband, approached her claiming they had a job demand for 1,075 workers in Dubai, despite not having renewed their recruitment licence with the National Employment Authority (NEA).
After persuasion, and considering that Zawadi Jobs Abroad was recruiting skilled labourers to Dubai for the first time, Pacho allegedly agreed to upload a job demand letter dated February 24, 2025, purportedly issued by Saif Business Services Centre in Dubai, onto the NEA portal.
Youth Fund Money Disbursed
The court heard that the suspects later sought financial support through the Kazi Majuu platform, and by the end of July 2025, the government had disbursed Sh72.8 million to 364 youth candidates in the form of loans.
The funds were meant to assist the beneficiaries during recruitment drives conducted by the Ministry of Labour in Malindi, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Mambrui, after many applicants failed to raise required fees.
However, the youths allegedly never travelled abroad and are now expected to repay loans despite not benefiting from the programme.
Money Trail Under Scrutiny
According to court documents, once the funds were deposited into the beneficiaries’ accounts at Equity Bank, the money was transferred to an account belonging to Zawadi Jobs Abroad Limited, also domiciled at the same bank.
Investigators allege that the suspects entered into an informal agreement assigning different roles:
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Glorivin International Ltd, linked to Oyugi, handled visa processing and allegedly received Sh13,504,133, transferred to Oyugi’s Kingdom Bank account between August 27 and 28, 2025.
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Taushi Tours & Travel Ltd, associated with Njoki, handled air ticket processing and allegedly received Sh10,924,133, transferred to its Family Bank account between August 6 and 26, 2025.
The court heard that Njoki allegedly admitted to using part of the money to clear school fees arrears and repay a shylock loan, and later sent some funds back to Pacho via M-Pesa between July 1, 2025 and January 20, 2026.
Authenticity of Dubai Job Order in Question
Ambiche told the court there was an urgent need to authenticate the job demand order allegedly issued by Saif Business Services Centre and purportedly attested to by the Kenyan Consulate in Dubai.
Investigators are also recording statements from youth beneficiaries and have issued letters to various government institutions and financial entities, awaiting responses.
“There is need to obtain court orders to compel banks and mobile money providers to supply certified records for use as evidence,” the court heard.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
The DCI told the court the suspects are a flight risk and could leave the country if released on bond.
Njoki and Oyugi were arrested on January 22, 2026, and booked at Capitol Hill Police Station, while Pacho and Njue were arrested a day later at the same station.
Investigations are ongoing, with more suspects expected to be arrested.