Kenya Ports Authority Issues Urgent Warning on Fake Job Scams

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has warned the public against falling prey to fraudsters purporting to be from the authority who are offering fake job opportunities. In a public notice on Tuesday, January 20, the authority noted that the fraudsters have been posing as KPA management or staff or acting as agents to deceive individuals into making payments in exchange for employment. The authority emphasised that its recruitment process is merit-based and individuals seeking employment are not supposed to make any form of payment to participate in the process. "The Kenya Ports Authority has noted with concern increased cases of unscrupulous individuals targeting unsuspecting members of the public purportedly to secure them employment with the KPA," the notice read. Photo Cyprian, Is Nyakundi "The Authority, therefore, wishes to categorically reiterate that it is an equal opportunity employer that upholds fairness, transparency, and professionalism, and we have a merit-based and structured recruitment process," it added. The authority noted that Kenyans should remain vigilant and ensure that they verify the legitimacy of a job opportunity before sharing personal information, noting that it will not be liable for any losses as a result of the scams. The public has been further encouraged to get in touch with security agencies if they suspect any fraudulent activities. "Members of the public are therefore advised to refrain from sharing personal information or making any payments to the fraudsters. KPA will not be liable for any losses resulting from these scams," the notice read. The announcement comes days after the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) also flagged as fake a job advertisement circulating on social media of the authority. In a notice on Sunday, January 18, the authority noted that the public should remain vigilant and ensure that they verify job opportunities at the authority through the official website and only verified social media accounts. The fake advert indicated that the authority was looking to recruit hundreds of job seekers for positions like civil engineers, superintendents, ICT officers, customer service representatives, interns, and store managers. Other positions included public relations officer, security officer, assistant human resource manager, office secretary, and database administrator, among other positions that amounted to hundreds of opportunities.