Sh46m Fake TSC Jobs Scam: How a Cartel Duped Hundreds of Teachers

A court in Bomet has allowed investigators to hold four suspects for a further two weeks over an alleged scheme that sold fake Teachers Service Commission (TSC) appointment letters to job seekers for hundreds of thousands of shillings.

Investigators told the court that hundreds of unemployed teachers were issued with counterfeit appointment letters presented as official TSC documents. Each letter allegedly cost between Sh400,000 and Sh700,000. Authorities estimate the total losses at more than Sh46 million, with payments made in cash, through mobile money services and via bank deposits. 

Detectives are tracing these transactions to determine how the funds were received and shared. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested four people as part of an inquiry covering Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Narok and Nyamira counties. Those in custody include Konoin Sub-County Director David Kipngeno Kemei, former Bomet Woman Representative aspirant Rosebellah Chepkemoi Korir, and two teachers, Siele Leonard Towett and Mercy Cherotich. 

The arrests followed complaints lodged late last year, which led to a formal investigation that is still ongoing. On Friday, the Bomet Chief Magistrate granted detectives permission to continue holding the suspects, citing the need to safeguard the investigation. Prosecutors said the suspects’ release could interfere with evidence and expose complainants to possible intimidation. 

The court agreed, pointing to the scale of the alleged fraud, and set the next mention date for 26 January. Investigators have also been authorised to seize mobile phones and other electronic devices belonging to the suspects, and to obtain their mobile money and bank records.

Police said these records are essential to tracing financial flows and identifying other individuals involved, some of whom are believed to work within the education sector. Defence lawyers opposed the extended detention, arguing that the suspects had not been formally charged and that investigations should have been completed before arrests were made. 

They also raised concerns about the health of some detainees, prompting the court to order that appropriate medical care be provided while they remain in custody. The case has led to internal action within the TSC. 

Two senior officials, including the Bomet County Director and the Konoin Sub-County Director, have been transferred to other regions as investigations continue. The changes are intended to prevent interference with the inquiry and to support internal accountability measures.

In a public notice, the DCI has asked anyone who paid for the alleged fake letters or was approached by intermediaries to report to the nearest police station to record statements. Authorities have reiterated that TSC recruitment does not require any payment and that all appointment letters can be verified through official channels.