The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been granted two more weeks by the court to complete investigations into a suspected Sh72.8 million overseas jobs scandal under the government’s Kazi Majuu programme.
The extension was issued after investigators told the court that enquiries into the alleged fraudulent scheme involving youth employment funds are not yet complete. The case centres on money disbursed through the Youth Fund to facilitate overseas job placements for Kenyan youths.
Investigating officer Leah Ambiche informed the court that police are probing allegations of conspiracy to defraud, abuse of office, and offenses relating to proceeds of crime and money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA).
Court documents indicate that Rahma Achieng Pacho, director of Zawadi Jobs Abroad Limited, is listed as the first respondent. According to investigators, Pacho reported the matter to DCI Nairobi offices, claiming she was drawn into the arrangement by two other individuals, Rachael Nioki Kariuki and Vincent Oyugi Omondi.
It is alleged that the two approached her, stating they had not renewed their license with the National Employment Authority (NEA) but had secured a job demand from Dubai requiring 1,075 workers. After what investigators describe as several persuasion meetings, Pacho allegedly agreed to the deal and uploaded a job demand letter said to be from Saif Business Services Centre in Dubai onto her company’s NEA portal.
During a Ministry of Labour recruitment drive conducted in Malindi, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Mambrui, hundreds of hopeful applicants reportedly signed up. Many were unable to raise the required placement fees, prompting arrangements for financial assistance through the Kazi Majuu platform.
By the end of July 2025, the Government of Kenya, through the Youth Fund, had allegedly disbursed Sh72.8 million in loans to 364 candidates. Investigators told the court the funds were deposited into the beneficiaries’ Equity Bank accounts before being transferred to an account belonging to Zawadi Jobs Abroad Limited.
Court filings further outline a money trail in which more than Sh13.5 million was transferred to an account linked to Glorivin International, associated with the third respondent, for visa processing. Another Sh10.9 million is said to have been sent to Taushi Tours & Travel Ltd, linked to the second respondent, for air ticket processing.
Investigators allege part of the funds may have been diverted for personal use, including school fee payments and settlement of private debts. Authorities believe the respondents agreed on a plan to share the youth funds without using them for the intended purpose of overseas job facilitation. Pacho, Njoki,
Oyugi and Kibuti were arrested between January 22 and 23, 2026, and booked at Capitol Hill Police Station. The DCI had sought orders to detain them for 14 days to complete investigations, conduct forensic analysis on their mobile phones and computers, obtain banking and mobile money records, and issue stop orders on their passports.
Police argue the suspects are a flight risk, their fixed abodes are unknown, and the matter is of significant public interest because the funds involved are taxpayer money meant to uplift the livelihoods of Kenyan youth.
Investigations are also ongoing to authenticate the Dubai job demand letter and record statements from the affected youths, many of whom now face repayment of loans for jobs they never secured.
When the matter came up in court before Hon. Barasa, the prosecution indicated investigations were still incomplete and sought more time. The defence did not oppose the extension but requested that the respondents not be required to report daily to DCI offices.
The court directed that the matter be mentioned on February 16, 2026, with the respondents required to report to the DCI three days a week, pending confirmation of the specific reporting schedule.
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