Kenya Railways (KR) has issued a warning to the public regarding fraudulent job advertisements circulating on various online platforms. In a public notice on Tuesday, the corporation cautioned Kenyans to be wary of scams that demand payment for job applications or recruitment.
“Kenya Railways wishes to notify the public of fraudulent job advertisements currently circulating on various online platforms, some of which are requesting for payment for applications,” said KR’s Managing Director.
The state corporation emphasized that it does not charge any fees for job applications or recruitment. Instead, KR urged job seekers to verify any employment opportunities directly through its official communication channels. The legitimate job adverts, according to KR, are only published on its website (www.krc.co.ke), the MyGov newspaper, and the company’s verified social media pages.
KR provided official contact numbers 0709 907 000 and 0709 907 555 for individuals who wish to confirm job advertisements before proceeding with applications. “Official communication from Kenya Railways will always bear the corporation’s official logo and contacts,” KR stated, highlighting that scammers often use counterfeit logos to make their adverts appear genuine.
This is not the first time government agencies and corporations in Kenya have had to flag fraudulent job listings. The increase in unemployment rates has made many desperate job seekers vulnerable to these scams, which often require applicants to pay a fee under the pretense of securing employment.
In July 2024, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) dismissed a fake advertisement claiming the recruitment of 20,000 intern teachers for Junior Secondary and Primary Schools. The false advert misled applicants into believing that 18,000 positions were available for Junior Secondary teachers and 2,000 for Primary school instructors under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Similarly, the Ministry of Health recently flagged a fraudulent job advert that falsely announced 11,600 vacancies for data entry clerks at the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The fake post, widely shared on social media, lured unsuspecting applicants with promises of employment in the newly launched universal health coverage program.
To avoid falling prey to these scams, job seekers are advised to:
- Verify Advertisements – Always check official company websites and government platforms before applying for jobs.
- Avoid Paying Any Fees – Legitimate employers do not charge application fees.
- Report Suspicious Posts – If you come across a questionable job advert, report it to the relevant authorities.
As fraudulent schemes become more sophisticated, vigilance is necessary to protect job seekers from financial losses and exploitation.