The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding ongoing fraudulent recruitment schemes targeting job seekers. In a statement on Thursday, KPA cautioned against individuals circulating fake offer letters and requesting payments under the guise of recruitment.
The authority clarified that the legitimate recruitment process is not yet complete. "We continue to emphasize that the ongoing recruitment process is not yet complete. All successful candidates will be contacted exclusively through official KPA communication channels upon finalization of the process," the statement read.
KPA also strongly stressed that no payments are required at any stage of the application. "Further KPA DOES NOT, under any circumstances, charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interviews, or document processing," it said.
The authority added that any request for payment, whether for facilitation, processing, or any other purpose, is a clear attempt to defraud, and applicants are urged to ignore such demands and report them to the relevant authorities.
The warning highlights the growing problem of recruitment fraud in Kenya, where job seekers are often targeted with fake employment offers and asked to make upfront payments.
KPA emphasized its commitment to safeguarding applicants from such scams and reiterated that it will not be held liable for losses or damages arising from fraudulent activities.
"KPA will not be held liable for any losses, damages, or misrepresentations arising from such fraudulent activities," the statement warned.
To ensure accuracy and security, KPA encouraged applicants to rely solely on official communication channels.
"We advise all job seekers to rely only on information from our official communication channels, including our website: https://kpa.co.ke and our verified social media platforms," the statement said.
The authority’s alert serves as a reminder for the public to exercise caution when responding to job offers and to verify information before making any payments or sharing personal details.
The statement reaffirms the importance of vigilance and reliance on verified sources to avoid falling victim to scams that exploit the desperation of job seekers.
By taking these measures, KPA aims to maintain the integrity of its recruitment process while protecting applicants from fraudulent actors who attempt to take advantage of the employment process for personal gain.
The warning comes amid increasing reports of job seekers in Kenya being defrauded by unscrupulous individuals claiming to represent reputable organizations.
KPA’s proactive communication serves both as a preventative measure and as guidance for applicants to navigate the recruitment process safely and securely.